A very common problem, mainly in preschool children, is recurrent obstructive bronchitis and bronchiolitis. Although usually benign, these conditions place a significant burden on the daily life of the child and family.
In children during the first three years of life, obstructive bronchitis can occur without a chronic course. In most cases, the cause is a viral infection, which causes inflammation and swelling of the respiratory mucosa. Due to the small diameter of the airways in children, increased mucus production and bronchoconstriction can quickly lead to significant airway narrowing. However, it is not uncommon for asthma to coexist, which, after appropriate treatment, leads to a significant reduction in the frequency of bronchitis.
Environmental factors such as passive smoking can worsen the course of the disease and lead to relapses. In severe cases, blood oxygen saturation is significantly reduced.
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, and it is often necessary to rule out underlying diseases such as asthma, which is why an assessment by a specialist pediatric pulmonologist is often necessary.
Environmental factors such as passive smoking can worsen the course of the disease and lead to relapses. In severe cases, blood oxygen saturation is significantly reduced.
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, and it is often necessary to rule out underlying diseases such as asthma, which is why an assessment by a specialist pediatric pulmonologist is often necessary.