Work

Clinical characteristics and prognostic differences of children with acute bronchitis across different age groups

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of children with acute bronchitis in different age groups and to identify the risk factors for the development of chronic cough in these children. Methods Clinical data of 290 children hospitalized for acute bronchitis at Linquan County People’s Hospital from August 2022 to September 2024 were retrospectively collected. The children were categorized into three age groups: <1 year, ≥1 year and <3 years, and ≥3 years. Data collected included gender, age, home address, gestational age, birth weight, parental smoking status, symptoms such as stuffy nose, sputum, fever, peak temperature, fever duration, hospitalization duration, anemia, white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein, neutrophils (Neu), and lymphocytes. The children were further divided into a good prognosis group ( n = 256) and a poor prognosis group ( n = 34) based on the presence of chronic cough. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyzes were performed on all variables, and a nomogram model was constructed. The predictive ability of the model was evaluated using ROC curves. Results Significant differences were observed among age groups in WBC and Neu levels and in the proportions of children with stuffy nose, sputum, and fever. Among the 290 children, 34 (11.7%) developed chronic cough. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, gestational age (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.385; 95% CI, 0.263–0.563), parental smoking (aOR, 2.479; 95% CI, 1.104–5.569), and anemia (aOR, 4.734; 95% CI, 1.539–14.563) were independently associated with chronic cough. The nomogram showed good discrimination, with an AUC of 0.819 (95% CI, 0.735–0.903). Conclusion The clinical characteristics and symptoms of children with acute bronchitis differ by age. Gestational age, parental smoking, and anemia were independently associated with chronic cough following acute bronchitis. The nomogram may help identify children at higher risk of chronic cough, although external validation is warranted.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2026.1922135

Authors: Chao Yan, Qiang Gao, Jinliang Ya

Institution: Linquan County People's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Respiratory and Cough-Related Research

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801