Children and chronic bronchitis: First aid and need for PALS Skills

Bronchitis is a rigid infection that affects children and adults. It is difficult to get rid of this issue in children as they cannot express their discomfort. Every parent and caregiver must know about bronchitis first aid and other life-saving courses. The PALS certification also talks about respiratory distress management in children. By taking all these courses, you can create a safe space for children in times of need. In this article, you will learn more about bronchitis and its causes. It also talks about the people more likely to get these infections. Lastly, you will learn how taking a PALS course can help you administer first aid to a child in respiratory distress.

Understanding bronchitis and its causes

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or irritants.

• Acute bronchitis is a temporary ailment that usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. It is often caused by a virus, such as the cold or the flu.
• Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition that lasts for at least three months in a year for two consecutive years. It is often caused by secondhand smoke.

 

The causes of bronchitis can vary depending on the type of bronchitis. However, some common causes include:

• Viruses: Viruses are the primary cause of acute bronchitis. The viruses that are responsible for colds and the flu can also cause bronchitis.
• Bacteria: Bacteria can also cause bronchitis, but this is less common than viral bronchitis. Bacterial bronchitis is difficult to treat and could last longer.
• Irritants: Irritants, such as smoke, dust, and fumes, can also cause bronchitis.
• Smoking: Smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis.
• Exposure to secondhand smoke: When you inhale secondhand smoke, you increase your risk of developing chronic bronchitis.

 

Who can get bronchitis?

Anyone can get bronchitis, but some people are more at risk than others. These include:

• Children: Children are more likely to get bronchitis than adults. It is because their airways are smaller and more easily irritated.
• Older Adults: Elders are more likely to get bronchitis than younger adults. It is because their immune system is not as strong, and they are more likely to have other health conditions that can make bronchitis worse.
• People With Chronic Health Conditions: People with chronic ailments, like asthma, COPD, or heart disease, are more likely to get bronchitis. It is because their lungs are already damaged and more susceptible to infection.
• Smokers: Smokers have weaker lungs, and they are at a much higher risk of getting bronchitis than nonsmokers. This is because smoking irritates the airways and makes them more likely to become infected.
• People Exposed to Secondhand Smoke: People living around smokers are at a higher risk of getting bronchitis. It is because secondhand smoke contains the same harmful chemicals as direct smoke.

If you are at risk of getting bronchitis, there are a number of ways to reduce your chances of getting sick. These include:

• Get vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia. These vaccines can help protect you from the viruses that can cause bronchitis.
• Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Smoking is the top cause of this ailment.
• Reduce your exposure to irritants. If you work in a dusty or smoky environment, wear a mask to protect your lungs.
• Wash your hands often. Keeping the germs off your hands could save you from this disease.

 

Bronchitis: Seek help from a PALS course

While a PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) course is not specifically designed to help with bronchitis, the skills and knowledge learned in the course can be valuable in the event of a child with bronchitis experiencing respiratory distress or failure.

PALS courses teach participants how to assess and manage a child’s airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). This includes skills such as:

• Opening the airway and CPR for bronchitis.
• Administering oxygen
• Performing chest compressions
• Using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) to ventilate the lungs
• Administering medications

 

If a child with bronchitis is experiencing respiratory distress or failure, these skills can be used to help stabilize the child and prevent further complications.

Conclusion

A PALS course can be a valuable resource for parents and caregivers of children with bronchitis. The skills learned in the course can be used to help stabilize a child as bronchitis first aid. Additionally, the course can help participants to become more familiar with CPR for Bronchitis. The Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification teaches you to handle respiratory distress in children. People with children must take this course, as bronchitis is common in younger people. The Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification platform has first aid and CPR courses. You can also take the PALS certification from us. So log onto our website and start your life-saving journey today.