Fact Sheets for Families Bronchitis and Pneumonia

Children in child care settings are often sick with upper bacteria, in which case antibiotics are the treatment of respiratory infections. The rates of these infections are choice. When pneumonia is caused by bacteria, an in- higher in the winter months, although they can occur fected child usually becomes sick relatively quickly and any time of the year. Some side effects of upper respi- experiences the sudden onset of high fever and rapid ratory infections, such as colds or flu, are bronchitis breathing When these infections are caused by a virus, and pneumonia. such as RSV, adenovirous, or influenza, antibiotics will not help and most often the infection will have to run its What is the difference between course. Bronchitis and pneumonia both require the care bronchitis and pneumonia? and supervision of a health care profes- Bronchitis is most often a bacterial or sional, as children with pneumonia viral infection that causes swelling can become sick enough to require of the tubes (bronchioles) leading hospitalization. to the lungs. Pneumonia is an acute or chronic disease marked When can children by inflammation of the lungs and return to child care? is caused by viruses, bacteria, With treatment, most types of other organisms and sometimes bacterial pneumonia can be by physical or chemical irritants. cured within 1 to 2 weeks. Viral A diagnosis of “double pneumo- pneumonia may last longer. Chil- nia” means both lungs have been dren recovering from bronchitis affected. “Walking pneumonia” or pneumonia can return to the means that the illness is not serious child care program provided enough to require hospitalization they are feeling well enough to of the child or adult; it is generally participate, are free of fever, and caused by a germ called mycoplasma. have been seen by a health care pro- The symptoms of bronchitis and pneu- fessional. Bronchitis and pneumonia are monia are similar and may include fever, not directly contagious, but the germ that headache, cough that brings up thick green or yellow caused the original cold or upper respiratory infection mucus, chills, looking ill and tired, fast, noisy, or diffi- may be. This is why some children (and staff) in a child culty breathing, wheezing, tightness or pain in the chest. care setting may get very sick from the same respiratory Pneumonia that is deep in the lungs may also cause germ, others just get mildly ill and still others don’t get abdominal pain and vomiting. Any child, especially ill at all. young infants, with these symptoms should be seen by a health care provider. Can bronchitis and pneumonia be prevented? How serious are bronchitis Upper respiratory infections that could lead to bronchi- and pneumonia? tis or pneumonia are difficult to totally prevent in child Both conditions are more serious if a child has a chronic care settings. Reducing exposure to colds and flu by health condition or if the condition is caused by a frequent hand washing and environmental cleanliness and sanitation are the first and most important line of Provided by California Childcare Health Program defense. Childhood immunizations such as Hib, acel- For more information, please contact: lular pertussis (the aP in DTaP), Pneumococcal conjugate Healthline 1-800-333-3212 vaccine (PCV), and influenza vaccine (especially for Distributed by: staff) can provide some protection against pneumonia. Getting plenty of rest and fresh air, eating healthy foods, exercising and avoiding secondhand smoke will also keep young bodies strong.

Rev. 10/07