A school-age child had an upper respiratory tract infection for several days and then began having a persistent dry, hacking cough that was worse at night. The cough has become productive in the past 24 hours. This is most suggestive of which diagnosis?

A school-age child has had an upper respiratory tract infection for several days and then began having a persistent dry, hacking cough that was worse at night. The cough has become productive in the past 24 hours. This is most suggestive of:

a.

Bronchitis.

c.

Viral-induced asthma.

b.

Bronchiolitis.

d.

Acute spasmodic laryngitis.

Answer: a. Bronchitis.

Explanation:

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tube lining, which brings air from and into your lungs. Persons with bronchitis have symptoms of dry cough and produces thickened discolored mucus. Bronchitis may be either chronic, or acute.

These signs characterise bronchitis and occurs in children older than 6 years. Bronchiolitis is rare in children over 2 years of age. Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation that is potentially aggravated by a virus. bronchiolitis involves the bronchioles while Bronchitis involves bronchi. Acute spasmodic laryngitis is found in children aged 3 months to 3 years.

Hence, the correct option is a.

Bronchitis.