Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How To Confirm Viral And Bacterial Bronchitis?
Hello, may I ask you what blood test can help me to know if my son has viral or bacterial bronchitis? My son has mostly dry hacking cough for 5 days and fever between 101-102 F . (His younger brother had the same for 2 weeks (June 1 -14) little soar throat,no strep, cough, I went to urgent care and they gave him antibiotics and within two days his cough got better and no fever. His sister had fever ,cough sinceJune 10, I took her to urgent care along with brother and because she had a little ear infection,she got antibiotics too. And within 2 days she got better too. I hope I did not confuse you.I just wanted to give you more info. I do not know if the antibiotics helped his siblings or it was coincident that they both felt better after 2 days.) Thank you,Gabriela
Thu, 14 Apr 2016
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion, possibility of viral infection is more in their case.
In general, viral infection is most common cause for bronchitis. And incidence is ever higher in children.
Your both children got infection simultaneously. Viral infection is notorious to spread through aerosol route.
So all these points favour viral infection more.
But for 100% confirmation, you need to get done throat swab PCR for viruses. If this is positive then it is 100% viral infection.
You can also get done PCT (procalcitonin). PCT is marker for bacterial infection. So if it is negative then it is not bacterial infection.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your children. Thanks.
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion, possibility of viral infection is more in their case.
In general, viral infection is most common cause for bronchitis. And incidence is ever higher in children.
Your both children got infection simultaneously. Viral infection is notorious to spread through aerosol route.
So all these points favour viral infection more.
But for 100% confirmation, you need to get done throat swab PCR for viruses. If this is positive then it is 100% viral infection.
You can also get done PCT (procalcitonin). PCT is marker for bacterial infection. So if it is negative then it is not bacterial infection.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your children. Thanks.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Bronchitis
Loading Online Doctors....