Bronchitis is when the lining of airways in the lungs gets inflamed (red and swollen) and make more mucus than usual. This causes coughing that can last a few weeks. Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus but may also be caused by a bacteria. Bronchitis caused by a virus will get better on its own. For bronchitis caused by a bacteria, health care providers prescribe antibiotics.

• Give any medicines that your health care provider prescribes. 
• If your child is younger than 6 years old, don't give cough or cold medicines, because they can be dangerous in kids this age.
• If your child is 6 years or older, ask the health care provider if it is OK to give cough or cold medicines.
• For children older than 1 year, 2 teaspoons of honey at bedtime can help with the cough.
• If your child is uncomfortable from fever, you can give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand) OR ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Follow the directions on the label about how much to give and how often.
• Do not give aspirin to your child or teen. It could lead to a rare but serious medical condition called Reye syndrome.
• Using a cool-mist humidifier may help your child feel better. Clean the humidifier every day to prevent mold growth.
• Offer your child plenty of liquids, such as juice and water for older kids and breast milk or formula for babies.
• Let your child rest as much as needed.
• Your child should not be around cigarette smoke, because it can make coughing worse.

Your child: 

• develops a fever
• coughs up thick or bloody mucus
• has a cough that gets worse or that lasts more than 3 weeks

Your child: 

• begins breathing fast or has trouble catching their breath
• seems dehydrated; signs include a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, crying with few or no tears, or peeing less often (or having fewer wet diapers)

What are the symptoms of bronchitis? The most common symptom of bronchitis is a cough. The cough may be dry or bring up thick mucus. A child with bronchitis might wheeze, feel short of breath, or have a rattling feeling in the chest. Kids also may have a mild fever, sore throat, headache, achiness, or tiredness.

Can bronchitis spread to others? Yes, bronchitis is contagious. It can spread:

• when a person with bronchitis coughs and sends infected droplets into the air and someone else breathes them in
• when someone touches their mouth, eyes, or nose after touching respiratory fluids from an infected person

To prevent spreading germs, remind your child to cough into a tissue or their elbow, not their hands. They should wash their hands with soap and water (or hand sanitizer) often, especially after coughing and sneezing.