Acute Bronchitis:
Acute bronchitis is inflammation of one or more bronchi and occurs specifically in children younger than four year?. It is usually associated with previous upper respiratory infection.
This infection is caused by adenovirus, repiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus. It may also occur with communicable diseases such as pertusis, measles, diptheria, scarlet fever and typhoid fever. Mycoplasma pneumonia may cause acute bronchitis especially in school age children.
Pathophysiology
Inflammation of bronchi and trachea lead to an increased volume of lower respiratory tract secretions. The cartilaginous support of the smooth muscles is not developed until adolescent years. This lack of cartilaginous support of smooth muscles can result in constriction of lower airways.
Medical Treatment
It includes administration of
- Antibiotics as per sensitivity of causative organism
- Cough expectorant
- Antipyretic medicines to relieve fever
- Steam inhalation (warm moist air)