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[Bronchitis in young children]
1Legesenteret, Sørumsand.
Insights
Bronchitis diagnosis in young children is often unclear and may indicate underlying asthma bronchiale. Antibiotic effectiveness for this condition in children remains uncertain.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Bronchitis is a common diagnosis in children under five.
- The study aimed to evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of bronchitis in this age group.
Observation:
- 42 children under five were diagnosed with bronchitis.
- Treatments included no drugs, antibiotics, or anti-asthmatic medication.
- Most cases were short-lived and uncomplicated.
Findings:
- A follow-up revealed a higher prevalence of asthma bronchiale in younger children.
- The diagnosis of bronchitis in this age group appears ill-defined.
- The link between bronchitis and asthma bronchiale is suggested.
Implications:
- The clinical utility of diagnosing 'bronchitis' in young children needs re-evaluation.
- The use of antibiotics for childhood bronchitis warrants further investigation.
- Early identification of asthma bronchiale may be crucial in this population.
Abstract:
The diagnosis of "bronchitis" was made in 42 children below the age of five who attended our medical centre during 18 months in 1986-87. Eight children were not treated with drugs, 26 received antibiotics, and ten received anti-asthmatic medication. Regardless of the treatment, the illness was usually of short duration and without complications. A follow-up study of 27 of the youngest children showed a higher than normal prevalence of asthma bronchiale. It is concluded that the diagnosis of "bronchitis" is ill-defined in this age group, and may be related to asthma bronchiale. The value of antibiotics is uncertain.