OT: brochitis, how long to stay home?

[snoopy5386]

So my DD got sick over the weekend - developed this horrible cough over the weekend and a fever too. She is pretty miserable right now. We went to the pediatrician this morning and she has brochitis. She is on antibiotics now (which of course I am reading now only help in about 10% of cases) and an over the counter expectorant. I am also reading online that this could last for weeks before she finally shakes it. So how long do we stay home for? Of course I will stay home until DD feels better but how about after that? I'm not sure if she'll still be contagious or not....We are very active, she takes several classes plus we get together with other moms (including some babies) for playdates several times a week. Should we take the whole week off? Just a couple of days? Do we jump back in when DD seems herself? We are having her 3rd birthday party next weekend and her baby cousin (10 months old) will be there. Do I tell them not to come?
Uggghhh!! I hate being sick!!

 

[angelat]

I suffer from Bronchitis at least a couple times a year. I have asthma, so that usually induces it. From what I've read, if the bronchitis is viral in nature, you are contagious as long as you have symptoms. However, if it truly is bacterial and this is why the Dr. put her on antibiotics, then 24 hours into the treatment she should no longer be contagious.

With that said, it's hard to tell if it is bacterial. If she begins to feel better immediately after taking the antibiotics a day or two, then it probably is. I'd say keep her from other children for the rest of the week. You'll be able to tell by Friday or so, how she is feeling and whether she should be around other kids.

I'd recommend using a humidifier in the room she is in at night. If you can during the day as well, that's even better. This will help calm the cough. Be sure she is drinking lots of fluids to aid the expectorant in ridding her chest of the congestion.

As the party draws near, I would simply let your relatives know that your DD has been sick, been on meds and is feeling better now. Let it be their decision as to whether or not to bring the baby.

No matter what, I hope she is feeling better very soon. it's not fun to be sick with anything, but especially bronchitis.

 

[Leleluvsdis]

I too have had broncitus induced my asthma/allergies. The last time was HORRIBLE, and I was basically a lump under a blanket for about a week. I would def lay low since her birthday is coming up so she can enjoy that.
As PP said a cold air humidifier does wonders, and I also found that tussin did wonders for my cough, not sure is that have that for kids though, if not dimatape (sp) would probubly work well. Good Luck and hope she fell better!!!