Red flags & when to go in person for Acute Bronchitis in Children

Audience: pediatric

Acute bronchitis is a common lung infection in children that causes coughing and sometimes breathing difficulties. It often gets better on its own with rest and fluids. However, some signs mean your child may need to see a doctor in person quickly. These include trouble breathing, a very high fever, or if your child looks very sick or confused. Telemedicine can help you understand symptoms, get advice on care, and decide if your child needs to be seen in person. It is important to watch for red flags and seek emergency care if needed. This guide helps parents and caregivers know when to use telehealth and when to seek in-person care for children with acute bronchitis.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has trouble breathing, such as rapid breathing, wheezing, or chest retractions — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child’s lips or face turn blue or pale — call emergency services right away.
• Child is very drowsy, confused, or difficult to wake — seek urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate cough and cold symptoms.
• Providing guidance on home care and symptom management.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is needed.
• Answering questions about medications and when to seek emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as severe breathing difficulty or altered consciousness.
• Physical examination requiring lung auscultation or imaging.
• Administering treatments that require in-person care, such as oxygen therapy or nebulization.
• Diagnosing complications like pneumonia without in-person assessment.

What is Acute Bronchitis in Children?

Acute bronchitis is an infection that causes swelling and irritation in the airways of the lungs. It often follows a cold or flu. Children with acute bronchitis usually have a cough that lasts for several days to weeks. Other symptoms may include a mild fever, tiredness, and mild chest discomfort.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Typical symptoms include:

Most children improve with rest, fluids, and time.

When to Seek In-Person Care

You should take your child to see a healthcare provider in person if they have:

These signs may mean a more serious illness that needs urgent care.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can be useful to:

However, telemedicine cannot replace physical exams or emergency care when needed.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, try to:

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the provider’s advice carefully. This may include:

Keep track of your child’s progress and ask for help if you are unsure.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child’s symptoms and their duration.
• Measure and note your child’s temperature.
• Observe and note your child’s breathing rate and effort.
• Prepare a list of current medications and allergies.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection for the tele-visit.
• Have a caregiver present to help if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions on medications and care.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms closely for any worsening signs.
• Keep your child well hydrated and rested.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended or if symptoms worsen.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flags develop.

FAQs

Can acute bronchitis in children be treated with antibiotics?

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, so antibiotics are often not needed. Antibiotics work only against bacteria. Your healthcare provider can help decide if antibiotics are necessary based on your child’s symptoms.

How long does acute bronchitis usually last in children?

The cough and other symptoms of acute bronchitis often last about 1 to 3 weeks. Some cough can linger longer but should gradually improve over time.

When should I be worried about my child’s cough?

If your child has difficulty breathing, a high fever that does not improve, blue lips or face, or is very sleepy or confused, these are signs to seek medical care immediately. Also, if the cough lasts more than three weeks or worsens, see a healthcare provider.

Is it safe to use cough medicines for my child?

Cough medicines are generally not recommended for young children because they may not be safe or effective. Always check with your healthcare provider before giving any medicine to your child.

Sources

1. Bronchitis in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Acute Bronchitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Bronchitis - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Bronchitis — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child shows any red flags or you are concerned about their health, seek prompt medical attention.