Antibiotic treatment will not help if your child’s bronchitis is caused by a virus. Instead, a doctor may suggest getting rest and drinking lots of fluids.
Using a cool mist humidifier can help with breathing. Older children (4 years and older Trusted Source, according to the CDC, unless otherwise specified) may also find some relief with OTC cough suppressant medications or cough drops. You may use honey to soothe cough in younger kids over 1 year old Trusted Source.
A note on cough suppressants
Some doctors do not Trusted Source recommend using cough suppressants. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding cough suppressants in children younger than 6 to avoid the risk of side effects.
Discuss possible side effects with your child’s doctor first before trying to use them.
Other symptoms, like fever or headache, can be treated with OTC drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. And if your child is having trouble breathing, their doctor may prescribe an inhaler.
According to the CDCTrusted Source and ALA, bacterial bronchitis may or may not require medication to go away. When antibiotics are indicated, treatment is usually a 5-day to 2-week course of an oral drug like amoxicillin. Your child’s doctor will prescribe what’s right for your child along with any other aids, like inhalers or nebulizers, to help with breathing as necessary.
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