Care for a Child with Bronchitis
1. Rest and Fluids:
 Encourage the child to get plenty of rest to aid in recovery.
 Ensure the child drinks plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea, and clear
broths, to help keep the airways moist and prevent dehydration.
2. Humidification:
 Use a cool mist humidifier or steam from a hot shower to help soothe irritated
airways and relieve coughing.
3. Saline Nasal Drops:
 Use saline nasal drops or spray to help alleviate nasal congestion and make it
easier for the child to breathe.
4. Medications:
 Pain and Fever Relief: Administer over-the-counter pain relievers such as
acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to help reduce fever and
alleviate discomfort. Follow the dosing instructions carefully based on the child's
age and weight.
 Cough Suppressants: Use cough suppressants cautiously in consultation with a
healthcare provider, especially for children under the age of 6. Coughing helps
clear mucus from the airways, so suppressing coughs may not be appropriate in
all cases.
5. Warm Liquids:
 Offer warm liquids such as herbal tea with honey (for children over 1 year old),
warm broth, or warm water with lemon to help soothe the throat and relieve
coughing.
6. Avoid Irritants:
 Keep the child away from smoke, strong fumes, and other respiratory irritants
that can exacerbate symptoms.
7. Comfort Measures:
 Use comfort measures such as a cool-mist vaporizer, warm blankets, and extra
pillows to help the child feel more comfortable while resting.
8. Encourage Proper Hygiene:
 Teach the child proper handwashing techniques to help prevent the spread of
viruses and bacteria that can cause bronchitis.
9. Follow-Up Care:
 Keep track of the child's symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if
symptoms worsen or if the child develops difficulty breathing, chest pain, or
persistent fever.
10. Antibiotics:
 If the bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed
by a healthcare provider. Follow the prescribed course of antibiotics carefully
and ensure the child completes the full course, even if symptoms improve before
the medication is finished.