Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Bronchitis, Acute (Chest Cold)/Bronchiolitis
Bronchitis, Acute (Chest Cold)/Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a respiratory condition that is usually seen in children under 2 years of age. Bronchitis and bronchiolitis tend to occur more often in the fall and winter months. When infants and young children experience common respiratory viruses and are exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke, they are at risk of developing bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and middle ear infections.
Cause
Many different viruses (most commonly respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], parainfluenza virus, influenza virus, and adenoviruses), Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and some bacteria. Most of these organisms can cause other illnesses and not all persons exposed to the same organism will develop bronchitis or bronchiolitis.
Symptoms
Usually starts with a runny nose, fever, and a dry, harsh cough that becomes looser as the illness progresses. Older children may cough up green or yellow sputum.
Sore throat can occur in some cases. It may take 1 to 2 weeks for the cough to stop.
Spread
Viruses and bacteria are spread by touching the secretions from the nose or mouth of an infected person and/or touching hands, tissues, or other items soiled with these secretions and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Incubation
Depends upon the organism that is causing the illness.
Contagious Period
Until shortly before symptoms begin and for the duration of acute symptoms.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: Until fever is gone and the child is well enough to participate in routine activities.
Diagnosis
Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider if their child has a high fever, persistent sore throat, or persistent cough.
Treatment
Since viruses cause most cases of acute bronchitis or bronchiolitis, antibiotics will not be effective.
DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN or SALICYLATE-CONTAINING MEDICATIONS TO ANY CHILD OR ADOLESCENT UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE.
Prevention/Control
- Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing or cough/sneeze into your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
- Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after contact with secretions from the nose or mouth.
- Clean and sanitize mouthed objects, and surfaces at least daily and when soiled.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Bronchitis, Acute (Chest Cold)/Bronchiolitis Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Bronchitis
Bronchitis/bronchiolitis are respiratory illnesses caused by viruses or bacteria.
If you think your child has Bronchitis:
- Tell your child care provider or call the school.
- Need to stay home?
- Child Care and School:
Yes, until fever is gone and the child is healthy enough for routine activities.
- Child Care and School:
DO NOT give aspirin or salicylate-containing medicines to anyone under 18 years of age.
Symptoms
Your child may have a runny nose and fever. Cough starts out dry and harsh. It becomes looser after the child has been sick for a while. Your child may have a sore throat. The cough can last 1 to 2 weeks.
Spread
- By touching secretions from the nose or mouth.
- By touching contaminated hands, objects or surfaces.
Contagious Period
Shortly before and while your child has symptoms.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If your child has a fever. Also if your child has a sore throat or cough that won’t go away.
Antibiotics do not work for illnesses caused by a virus, including some types of bronchitis.
Prevention
- Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing. Use a tissue or your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
- Wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with secretions from the nose or mouth. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- Clean and disinfect any objects or surfaces that come in contact with secretions from the nose or mouth. Use a product that kills bacteria and viruses.
- DO NOT expose your child to second-hand tobacco smoke. Smoke increases the risk for serious respiratory infections and middle ear infections.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.