asthmatic bronchitis

[Brandon P.]

My 2 yr. daughter has been diagnosed with asthmatic bronchitis. I would like to know what it is and why it is called "asthmatic." I am also concerned if it is contagious. My pediatrician is giving her steroids and antibiotics. She is also having breathing treatments every 6 hours. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you...

[National Jewish]

Usually when a Pediatrician gives the diagnosis of "asthmatic bronchitis", he/she hears wheezing and thinks this is due to an infection. The infection is usually a viral infection in 2 year olds, but can be due to bacteria. Any respiratory infection can be infectious, but that does not mean the person who "catches" this will wheeze. That person may only have drainage and perhaps a cough. The medical approach to this problem is exactly as your physician has prescribed. The inhaled medication will open the airways; the steroids will get rid of the inflammation; and the antibiotic will cover a bacterial infection.
It is hard to say how long this will last. Some children continue to wheeze after the infection is gone. Others do not.
I hope this helps.

[gaurig]

My son (Now 13 years old) has been having similar problem. Whenever he gets cold, his nose never runs. Instead chest starts getting conjested. Doc has been giving steriods. I tried homeo pathy to get over this problem. Did not work. Now I am trying Ayurvedic medicines. What they seem to be doing even if cough is there in the chest, it comes out so that there is no wheezing.
Otherwise he leads a very happy and active life but with cold there is always this problem.