Nine expert pediatric doctors work with a highly trained and professional medical staff at Mid Kansas Pediatric Associates in Wichita & Derby, KS. We diagnose and treat many pediatric conditions each day. Two of these conditions, bronchiolitis and bronchitis, may be similar, but still need to be accurately diagnosed to be treated effectively.

We will discuss this difference to clear up any possible confusion.  

What Is Bronchiolitis? 

This lung infection, typically caused by a virus, causes inflammation in the smaller airways in the lungs, called bronchioles. Unlike bronchitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the larger airways within the lungs, the bronchi. While both conditions have many of the same peripheral symptoms, bronchiolitis is a much more immediately dangerous condition, as it can dramatically reduce the body’s ability to absorb oxygen and exchange gases through the lungs, which leads to hypoxia.

According to Mid Kansas Pediatric Associates, in Wichita & Derby, KS, symptoms that your child will need medical assistance include the following:

• Inability to swallow or take a bottle
• Bluish tint to lips and fingernails
• Using the accessory muscles to breathe, visible as skin pulling against the ribs
• Your child hasn’t urinated more than once in 24 hours

Your child may be at greater risk for bronchiolitis if born prematurely, attends daycare or extensive group activities with other children, has had a pre-existing heart condition, or has a naturally weak immune system. 

Diagnosis and Treatment 

Our doctors take these conditions very seriously. To accurately render treatment, we need to know how long your child has shown symptoms and if he was recently ill. The severity of your child’s symptoms will determine what level of care he receives. Treatment can range from emergency care to less severe treatments for symptoms.

Over-the-counter medication like Tylenol and a humidifier or saline drops are helpful when managing certain symptoms. With supportive care, you should see an improvement in your child within a week.

Call Us Today for a Sick-Visit Appointment

Call one of our nine doctors at Mid Kansas Pediatric Associates in Wichita & Derby, KS, at the numbers listed below to schedule your same-day sick visit for your child's possible bronchiolitis. We are here to answer your questions about bronchiolitis versus bronchitis diagnosis and start treatment immediately! 

East Wichita Office - 316-634-2000

West Wichita Office - 316-773-3100

Derby Office - 316-719-2001