Winter season is very challenging for children. Cold weather, dry air and long periods indoors weaken their immune systems. In such situations, children need proper care. A little carelessness can make them suffer from respiratory diseases like cold, flu, bronchitis and pneumonia.
According to a report published in the National Library of Medicine, nearly 4 lakh children under the age of five die every year in India due to respiratory diseases. Every year in India, acute respiratory infections (ARI) account for 13% to 16% of child deaths due to various causes. From this we can estimate its severity.
Children are at increased risk of lung infections in winter. However, children can be protected from this with proper care and adequate safety measures.
So, today In work news We will talk about respiratory infections.
Expert: Dr. S. Z. Jafri, Pulmonologist and Allergist, Indore
Q- What is a respiratory infection? Answer- A respiratory infection is a serious breathing problem. It occurs when viruses or bacteria enter the body through the mouth or nose. These infections can occur in the nose, throat, respiratory tract or lungs. The infection can be spread through airborne bacteria or through contact with infected individuals.
Children and the elderly are at increased risk of respiratory infections. Usually people ignore its symptoms, but sometimes it can cause serious problems.
Question: Why are children at higher risk of respiratory infections in winter? Answer- The main cause of respiratory infections in children in winter is their weak immune system. Children spend more time indoors in winter. In such a situation, bacteria growing due to moisture in the house can cause infection.
Apart from this, most of the children wash their hands less due to cold. When they put their fingers in their eyes, nose or mouth, bacteria easily enter their body.
From the graphic below, understand which respiratory diseases increase the risk of children in winter.
Q- What are the symptoms of respiratory infection? Answer- If a child has frequent colds, fever, cough or difficulty breathing, it may be a sign of a respiratory infection. It should not be ignored. Apart from this there are some other symptoms of respiratory infection. Understand it from the following graphic-
Q- Which children are at higher risk of respiratory infections?
Answer- Children from newborn to 5 years of age are at higher risk of respiratory infections. In addition, these children are also at greater risk of –
- Children whose immune system is weak
- Children who have diseases related to heart or lungs
- Children whose homes smoke
- Children whose mothers are exposed to direct or passive smoking during pregnancy
- Children who live in areas where pollution is high
Q- How dangerous is a respiratory infection?
Answer- Respiratory infection severity depends on the level it is at. 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 Infection (URTI) In this, bacteria or viruses affect the upper respiratory tract i.e. nose, throat and voice box. It is spread by direct contact through droplets from sneezing or coughing.
In addition, touching your nose or mouth with hands that have been exposed to the bacteria can also spread the virus. It usually clears up after treatment, but a prolonged infection can cause ear pain or a sore throat.
Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI) It affects the lungs and lower throat. These infections can be more serious. There is a risk of pneumonia, asthma or bronchitis. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if any symptoms appear.
Question- What to do if a child gets a respiratory infection? Answer: If the child has trouble breathing, consult a doctor immediately without delay. The doctor will advise medicines and precautions based on the child's symptoms.
Question- What should parents do to protect their children from respiratory infections? Answer- Pulmonologist Dr. S. Z. To protect children from this, they should get the influenza vaccine once a year, Jafri says. This vaccine reduces the risk of viral infection. Apart from this, parents can also adopt some other measures. Understand this from the following graphic-
Q- What is the treatment for respiratory infection? Answer- For this, doctors prescribe antiviral or antibiotic medicines. They can give syrup to reduce persistent and bothersome cough. Oxygen therapy may also be given if the condition worsens.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
