Bronchitis in Kids

We are spending our 2^nd weekend at the hospital coming from the recent discharge of Enzo and now we are back this time at the Medical Center Muntinlupa (MCM) with Kenn fighting off Bronchitis.

What is Bronchitis?

As defined by Mayo Clinic - Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.

Often developing from a cold or other respiratory infection, acute bronchitis is very common. Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking.

This illustration makes it more easier for us to define what happens when someone has Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis usually improves within a few days without lasting effects, although you may continue to cough for weeks. However, if you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, you may have chronic bronchitis, which requires medical attention. Chronic bronchitis is one of the conditions included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Treatment for bronchitis focuses on relieving your symptoms and easing your breathing.

What are the Symptoms?

(For both Acute and Chronic)

Cough

Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color

Fatigue

Slight fever and chills

Chest discomfort

What are the causes?

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, typically the same viruses that cause colds and influenza. Antibiotics don't kill viruses, so this type of medication isn't useful in most cases of bronchitis.

The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking cigarettes and since Kenn does not smoke, this might be caused by air pollution and dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace also can contribute to the condition.

How is the Disease Treated?

Among those that were given to Kenn at the emergency room includes Steroids. According to our doctor, simple antibiotics will not work for cases such as Bronchitis which was why a more aggressive treatment regimen was provided. We were advised that Kenn will be confined at the hospital for several days which may take atleast 6-7 days, probably the longest that we have spent among all the days that we have spent at the hospital. Kenn was also given several sessions of nebulization and several medications.

We are hoping to be discharged by next week and we are planning to get Kenn to be more interested with sports hoping to give his lungs a boost of energy. This was also the reason why we have decided to restrict him when using his gadgets. Maybe it’s time for him to be more involved with physical activities such as biking, basketball and such.

Get well soon Kenn and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the nurses currently taking care of him… To Henry Sotto, Janeth  Yrad and Angel Alindogan, Miggy Del Rosario, Jian and Kristine nurses at the Medical Center Muntinlupa, Thank you for taking care of my big boy… really nice people in this institution who makes our lives less complicated at this place and this time… Thank you everyone! =)