When does the baby need antibiotics? | Bronchitis in the baby

When does the baby need antibiotics?

Since over 90% of bronchitis is caused by viruses, an antibiotic is not useful in most cases, as they only work against bacteria but not against viruses. If, however, an additional infection with a bacterium occurs, which should turn out to be a severe bacterial superinfection (with high fever, refusal to eat and persistent coughing), both a visit to the doctor and the intake of an antibiotic are to be considered sensible.

Duration of bronchitis in the baby

After the baby has absorbed the germ, it can take up to a week for the bronchitis to break out. Bronchitis should not last longer than 2 weeks in the baby. In this time the symptoms that can occur (cough, rhinitis, fever, reduced general condition) should have subsided. Sometimes the cough can go on for a few days, but even this should disappear after 3 weeks at the latest. If this is not the case, you should take the baby to a paediatrician to rule out other causes.

Prophylaxis

If the airways are irritated or mucous, the baby should be made to drink a lot. The intake of sufficient fluid ensures that the mucus in the bronchi becomes more fluid and can drain more easily. In addition, the baby’s environment should be adapted to the sensitive airways.

It is important that there is no smoking in the baby’s environment, as cigarette smoke, in addition to its generally harmful effect, also irritates the mucous membranes. In order to keep the respiratory tract healthy, it should not get too hot in heated rooms and care should be taken to maintain a pleasant humidity. This can be achieved, for example, with the help of damp cloths over the heating and regular shock ventilation.