With the onset of cold weather and increased humidity, the number of childhood diseases sharply increases, among which in children of preschool age bronchitis predominates. Most often, bronchitis is a complication of ARVI, colds, flu and severe hypothermia. With it, inflammation is observed in the mucous membrane of the bronchi, accompanied by an increase in the formation of mucus or sputum, which thickens over time and, as a result, accumulates, cannot independently go outside. Such an internal process causes shortness of breath, and the child wheezes and “whistles”, which is heard even to a person far from medicine. This phenomenon in medicine is called "obstructive bronchitis."
Viral or bacterial cause of the disease?
However, treatment of obstructive bronchitis in a child should begin with the establishment of its root cause, which can serve as viruses, bacteria or just an allergy. Since the children's body has a still weak immune system, viral infections are quite common companions of babies. Therefore, antiviral therapy and general strengthening of the immune system, along with drugs that help relieve spasm of the bronchi and remove accumulated sputum, this, perhaps, will be all the recommended treatment.
But the treatment of obstructive bronchitis in a child that has been provoked by bacteria, is necessarily with antibiotics. At the same time, it is possible to distinguish the types of disease using a blood test (quite common), sputum and, if necessary, X-rays (in this case, pneumonia is excluded or confirmed).
Treatment regimen
The fact that this disease needs to be treated is beyond doubt, since complications are its chronic form, pneumonia, and even asthma. In this case, frequent obstructive bronchitis in a child - This is a serious reason for consultation with a pulmonologist.
Basically, the treatment will consist of the use of mucolytic drugs, drinking plenty of fluids, moisturizing both the mucous membranes, and the surrounding air, and inhalations. Well, of course, along with this, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system. In addition, obstructive bronchitis in children Komarovsky recommends treating only with plentiful drink, moistened with clean air and feeding at the request of the child.
Folk recipes
As mucolytic agents, proven folk methods can also be used. For example, radish juice mixed with liquid honey, or hot milk with badger fat and honey. Badger fat can also be used to rub babies from 6 months. Herbal teas with chamomile, sage, coltsfoot also contribute to the elimination of sputum.
The benefits of inhalation
Also quick and effective treatment of obstructive bronchitis in a child occurs through inhalation. For babies, it is best to purchase a nebulizer, with which it is quite easy and simple to carry out this procedure even in infants. The operation of such a device is based on breaking the drug into tiny particles, which, through the air flow, go directly to the destination, i.e. bronchi or lungs. You can buy a nebulizer in the form of your favorite cartoon character or a funny animal, which will make the procedure more interesting, and the treatment of obstructive bronchitis in a child will be even happy, instead of whims and crying.