Clinical and epidemiological characterization of acute bronchitis in pediatric patients aged 2 to 12 years during 2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63688/8knxk333Keywords:
Acute Bronchitis, respiratory tract infections, pediatrics, clinical characteristicsAbstract
Introduction: Acute bronchitis is one of the most frequent respiratory infections in children and represents an important cause of medical consultation and hospitalization in Latin America.
Methodology: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted through review of electronic medical records of 83 pediatric patients aged 2 to 12 years diagnosed with acute bronchitis and treated from January to December 2023.
Results: Males predominated (61.4%), as did the 2–4-year age group (44.6%). Cough was the most frequent clinical manifestation (92.8%), followed by fever (62.7%) and wheezing (51.8%). The most frequent complications were asthma exacerbation (10.8%) and acute otitis media (8.4%). Inhaled bronchodilators were the most commonly used treatment (75.9%), followed by antipyretics (72.3%); antibiotics were used in 13.3%.
Conclusions: Acute bronchitis showed a predominance of males, greater frequency among children aged 2 to 4 years, and a clinical presentation mainly characterized by cough. Severe complications were uncommon and antibiotic use was limited.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Melanie Michelle Torres Erazo, Laura Michelle Castro Chávez, Diana Carolina Llanos Cortez, Arelys Carolina Verdesoto Lino, Jeniffer Jimena Merchan Chancay (Autor/a)
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