If your child is coughing incessantly and is having breathing difficulties, it is enough cause to be alarmed. Your child may, in fact, be suffering from bronchitis. The first thing to do in this case is get your infant to a doctor as soon as possible. Bronchitis occurs in adults quite commonly and is a disorder in which inflammation of the airways occur. The bronchi, or the airways that connect the lungs to the nose, get infected due to some irritation or a bacteria attack. It is at the age of about six months that the infant begins to develop bronchitis. The infant is in danger of contracting bronchitis till the age of two. Change in season has been seen as the major cause for bronchitis in infants. Also if you or someone in your family is a chain smoker, and smokes near the infant, it may be one of the factors causing bronchitis.
It has been seen that male infants have a higher tendency to contract bronchitis than female infants, especially if they are fed formula instead of breast milk. Breast milk increases the immunity of the infant so that the infant is able to ward off any infection. In the absence of breast milk, the infant’s immunity remains weak. Respiratory syncytial virus, mycoplasma, parainfluenza virus, and adenovirus are the viruses responsible for causing bronchitis. In the initial stages of the ailment, the baby will generally have either a stuffy nose, or a runny one. There will also be cough along with breathing inconsistencies and difficulties. Both inhaling and exhaling are a problem for the infant. As the disease spreads, there will be incessant wheezing and coughing. The pulse of the baby increases to a very rapid rate. There can be fever with the symptoms and the baby might feel too exhausted to even eat.
It is imperative that you take your infant to the doctor, because if the symptoms persist, the bronchitis might become chronic. The doctor will conduct some preliminary tests and a chest examination. While you are waiting for the report and the diagnosis, you can do your bit. Give your baby a lot of fluids. If the infant has a lot of problem in breathing, install a dehumidifier in your baby’s room. This would help decongest the chest a little and normal breathing might be regained. You could also use saline nose drops, but consult your doctor first.