Different forms of bronchitis in babies
Obstructive/spastic bronchitis is a special form of acute bronchitis and can occur in babies and small children. As with acute bronchitis, the pathogens are usually viruses, especially adeno- and RS-viruses. The pathogens cause a constriction of the bronchial tubes due to an excessive reaction of the bronchial system; this is also called bronchospasm.
This leads to an increased formation of secretions in the bronchi and to a swelling of the bronchial lining mucosa, which in combination also leads to bronchoconstriction. The symptoms the baby shows are – similar to those of asthmatics – dry and unproductive cough. The baby may experience shortness of breath, which is mainly manifested by violent breathing movements, of the upper body, where the strained breathing and the contraction of the abdominal muscles may cause retractions between the ribs, so that these become visible when breathing.
Another sign of breathlessness in babies is the so-called nostril, where the wings of the baby’s nose move visibly when breathing in and out. In very rare cases, the reduced enrichment of the blood with oxygen can lead to bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes, lips, hands and feet. A lack of oxygen in this form can be life-threatening.
Chronic bronchitis in babies has similar symptoms to acute bronchitis (dry and unproductive cough), but recurs more often and lasts much longer in its course. It can have many different causes, all of which cause some degree of pre-damage to the lungs, making them more susceptible to infection. Among the most common triggers are toxins in the air we breathe, which can damage the mucous membrane of the baby’s bronchi, the most prominent example being cigarette smoke. Other causes can be congenital metabolic disorders, which are consecutively associated with an increased susceptibility to germs, e.g. cystic fibrosis. Furthermore, allergies, congenital malformations of the respiratory tract or enzyme deficiency diseases can also cause chronic bronchitis.
How contagious is bronchitis in a baby?
Bronchitis is a contagious disease, which is caused by a droplet infection, this means that the pathogens (especially viruses) are transmitted into the ambient air by coughing, sneezing, drooling, speaking of the sick person. Studies have shown that germs can “migrate” up to 8m in the air. These pathogens are then inhaled by still healthy persons.
Whether bronchitis eventually develops depends on the baby’s immune system. However, since babies still have an immature immune system, infection is very likely. Premature babies are particularly at risk of infection, so call babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy, babies younger than 3 months and babies who have problems with the heart or lungs from birth. Therefore, it is very important that these babies do not come into contact with other sick children.
