Acute Bronchitis:

Acute bronchitis is inflammation  of one or more bronchi  and occurs specifically  in children younger than  four year?.  It is usually associated with previous upper respiratory infection. 

This infection is caused by adenovirus, repiratory  syncytial virus  and rhinovirus. It may also occur with communicable diseases such as pertusis, measles, diptheria, scarlet fever and typhoid fever. Mycoplasma pneumonia may cause acute bronchitis especially in school age children. 

Pathophysiology

Inflammation of bronchi and trachea lead to an increased volume of lower respiratory tract secretions. The cartilaginous support of the smooth muscles  is not developed until adolescent years. This  lack of cartilaginous support of smooth muscles  can result  in constriction  of lower airways. 

Medical Treatment 

It includes administration of 

- Antibiotics  as per sensitivity of causative  organism 

- Cough expectorant 

- Antipyretic medicines  to relieve  fever 

- Steam  inhalation  (warm moist  air)