Bronchitis refers to inflammation of the major airways leading from the throat to the lungs and is a common condition in children. Symptoms may include decreased feeding, fever, fussiness, cough, mucus production, rapid breathing or fatigue. Pediatric bronchitis is typically caused by viral or bacterial infections. Other causes include other underlying diseases processes and aspiration.
RSV
Viral infections are a common source of bronchitis in children. Respiratory syncitial virus, or RSV, is a virus that is most active in the winter months in the United States. Risk factors in children include prematurity, infancy, lung disease, heart disease, weak immune systems and second-hand smoke, according to "Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics" by Robert M. Kliegman M.D. The most common form of transmission is from direct contact with infected secretions or aerosolized droplets getting into the eyes or throat.
Symptoms may include wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, runny nose or headaches. In infants, it can also lead to periods without breathing. Some children will require hospitalization.
Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza virus is another common viral source of bronchitis in children. There are four known types of parainfluenza viruses. Most cases are mild, causing only a runny nose, but some can cause more severe diseases such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Symptoms may include congestion, cough, chest pain, runny nose, sore throat and wheezing.
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae
Bronchitis can also be caused by bacteria. A viral infection can increase the likelihood of a superimposed bacterial infection, or the bacterial infection can occur without a preceding infection. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common source of bronchitis in children, according to "Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics." These infections typically respond to medical therapy with antibiotics.
Chlamydia Pneumoniae
Chlamydia pneumoniae is another cause of bronchitis in children. Symptoms are similar to other forms of bronchitis, such as congestion, cough and sore throat. It may also cause reddening of the throat and white pigmentation on the tongue. The bacterial infection is treatable with antibiotics.
Underlying Disease Processes
Underlying disease processes can also cause bronchitis. Asthma is a disease in which the airways become inflamed and produce excessive amounts of mucus, which makes breathing difficult and can cause wheezing and a cough. It is the result of the airways being overly reactive to environmental triggers such as heat, cold or animal dander. Cystic fibrosis is another condition that can cause bronchitis. In this condition, abnormally thick mucus is trapped in the airways and other organs.
Aspiration
According to "Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease" by Dr. Vinay Kumar, bronchitis in children can also be caused be certain physical or chemical agents aspirated, or inhaled, into the major airways. For example, the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus and throat and be inhaled. Even small amounts of aspiration may go unnoticed, but cause inflammation in the airways, leading to bronchitis in children.
References
- "Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics 18th Ed"; Robert M. Kliegman M.D. et al; 2007
- "Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease 8th Ed;" Vinay Kumar et al; 2009
