Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an infection of tubes in the lungs. Cold Viruses cause most cases of bronchitis. Symptoms of bronchitis can include:
- a hacking cough;
- yellow, white, or green phlegm, usually appearing 24 to 48 hours after a cough;
- fever or chills;
- soreness and tightness in chest;
- some pain below breastbone during deep breathing, and/or
- some shortness of breath.
Note:
- Antibiotics won't help, because they don't kill viruses.
- Even when the mucus you cough up is thick and yellow, it does not mean that antibiotics would help you get better faster.
- Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can promote the growth of stronger germs.
What you can do:
- Drink more water. Sip hot liquids.
- Breathe moist air by using a humidifier or running a hot shower.
- To relieve a congested nose, gently squirt salt water into the nose with a bulb syringe. Put moist hot towels on the face. Try a decongestant for 2-3 days.
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve pain. Read the label for a child's dose.
Call your doctor or nurse if:
- you have a fever of higher than 39 degrees Celsius or 102 degrees Fahrenheit;
- you have trouble breathing;
after several days, you start feeling worse instead
of better; or- you think there is something seriously wrong with your baby.