winter The weather is quite difficult for children. Their immunity weakens due to cold, dry air and staying indoors for a long time. In such situations, children need proper care. Due to a little neglect, they can suffer from respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, bronchitis and pneumonia.
According to a report published in the National Library of Medicine, every year in India, around 4,00,000 children under the age of five die due to respiratory diseases. Every year in India, 13-16% of child deaths due to various reasons are due to acute respiratory infection (ARI). From there we can estimate its severity.
The risk of respiratory infections increases in children in winter. However, children can be protected from it with proper care and safety measures.
Therefore, today in the needs news we will talk about respiratory infection.
Expert: Dr. S. Jade. Jafri, pulmonologist and allergist, Indore
Question – What is a respiratory infection?
Answer – Respiratory infection is a serious problem related to breathing. This happens when a virus or bacteria enters the body through the mouth or nose. This infection can occur in the nose, throat, respiratory tract or lungs. This infection can be spread by bacteria in the air or by contact with infected people.
The risk of respiratory infections is higher in children and the elderly. Usually people ignore its symptoms, but sometimes it can cause serious problems.
Question: Why are children more exposed to respiratory infections in winter?
Answer – One of the main causes of respiratory infections in children in winter is their weak immune system. Children stay indoors more in winter. In such a situation, bacteria that grow due to humidity present in the house can cause infection.
Apart from this, most children wash their hands less due to the cold. When they put their fingers in their eyes, nose or mouth, bacteria easily reaches their body.
Understand from the graph below which respiratory diseases increase the risk in children in winter.
Question – What are the symptoms of a respiratory infection?
Answer – If the child frequently has a cold, fever, cough or difficulty breathing, this may be a sign of a respiratory infection. This should not be ignored. Apart from this, there are other symptoms of respiratory infection. Understand this from the graph below-
Question: Which children are most at risk of respiratory infection?
Answer – Children from birth to 5 years are at greater risk of respiratory infection. Apart from this, these children are also at higher risk –
Children with weak immunity. Children who have heart or lung disease. Children whose family smokes. Children whose mother smoked directly or passively during pregnancy. Children who live in areas with high pollution.
Question: How dangerous are respiratory infections?
Answer- The severity of the respiratory infection depends on its level. Generally, it is of two types. The first is upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and the second is lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI).
Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI)
In this, the bacteria or virus affects the upper respiratory tract, i.e. the nose, throat and voice box. It can be spread by direct contact with droplets from a sneeze or cough.
Apart from this, the virus can also be spread by touching your nose or mouth with hands that have come into contact with bacteria. It usually goes away after treatment, but prolonged infection can cause ear pain or throat swelling.
Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI)
It affects the lungs and the passages below the throat. This infection can be more serious. There is a risk of pneumonia, asthma or bronchitis. It is therefore important to consult a doctor if symptoms appear.
Question – What to do if the child contracts a respiratory infection?
Answer: If the child has breathing problems, seek immediate medical attention. The doctor will prescribe medications and precautions based on the child’s symptoms. Follow this.
Question: What should parents do to protect their children from respiratory infections?
Answer – Pulmonologist Dr S. Jade. Jaffrey says to protect children from this, they should get a flu shot once a year. This vaccine reduces the risk of viral infection. Apart from this, parents can also adopt other measures. Understand this from the graph below-
Question – What is the treatment for respiratory infections?
Answer- For this, doctors prescribe antiviral drugs or antibiotics. They can give syrup to reduce persistent, irritating coughs. If the condition worsens, oxygen therapy may also be administered.
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Important news – Increase in coughs and colds in winter: Eat Vitamin C, take steam, listen to the doctor’s 5 tips to avoid infections.
Colds or coughs are more common in winter. This viral infection spreads quickly. Usually cold and cough heal within 1-2 weeks, but sometimes it can bother for a long time. To avoid this, it is important that our immunity is strong. The stronger the immunity, the less risk of colds and viral infections. …