Heading into cold and flu season, there are a couple of other issues we want to talk about that could be affecting your family.

We're hearing about a surge of asthmatic bronchitis in the central part of Colorado Springs. That comes from Dr. Tom Bartlett, with Mountain View Medical Center.

You'll notice a cough sob wheezing, followed by a cough for 4-6 weeks. This is treated with steroids, oxygen, cough suppressants and sometimes antibiotics. Dr. Bartlett says this asthmatic bronchitis is usually viral, but can turn into a bacterial infection. So it's best to talk to your doctor.

Croup is also making a strong showing across the area again. We heard about this last week. This time, we're hearing about it in Pueblo. Dr. Kasey McCreight with Parkview Medical Center has seen a lot of it. This affects mostly young kids under 3.

Symptoms include congestion, fever, difficulty breathing, barking cough and hoarseness. It usually lasts less than a week. You can help with a humidifier, steam from a hot shower and over the counter meds for the fever. But you'll want to watch for dehydration. And if things get worse, it's time to go to the doctor. Dr. McCreight says moderate to severe croup can be a life-threatening illness. So pay close attention to those symptoms.