Question

How to treat pediatric bronchitis?

Answer

Bronchitis refers to lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children that present with asthma symptoms, and is a recurrent allergic disease. It commonly occurs in early childhood (under 3 years old) and is often triggered by various allergens (such as pollen, dust, pet fur, mites, bacteria, etc.), as well as changes in weather and emotional excitement. Symptomatic treatment includes:

  1. Clearing the lungs and expectorating phlegm: If the phlegm is thick and difficult to cough up, nebulizer inhalation can be used, along with 10% ammonium chloride solution, Bechuangping, and Children’s Qiangli Tanshuang.
  2. Antispasmodic aminophylline: 2-4mg/kg per dose, taken 3-4 times a day orally. Theophylline：For children under 6 years old, 1-2mg per day, taken in 3-4 doses orally or 0.1mg/kg per dose, using the Theophylline nebulizer.
  3. Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment: During the remission period, many cough-suppressing and asthma-relieving Chinese medicine preparations can be used, which can also help reduce symptoms to some extent.
  4. External medication: Many infants and young children may experience adverse drug effects from long-term medication. The safety and convenience of external Chinese medicine are also good options. In severe cases of bronchitis, prednisolone can be added at a dose of 1mg/kg/day, taken in three doses orally, for a course of 4-7 days. Propranolol can also be used as a nebulizer spray, regional medication that can increase systemic drug side effects. It is not suitable for infants and young children who are difficult to negotiate. For children, 1-2 presses (50μg-100μg) per dose, taken twice or four times a day.