Since autumn and winter, there has been a constant flow of children admitted to hospitals due to respiratory infections. Autumn and winter is a high incidence period for pediatric respiratory diseases, and how to prevent pediatric respiratory infections is becoming a concern for parents. Recurrent pediatric respiratory infections, which we often refer to as recurrent infections, are respiratory infections such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, etc. that occur repeatedly over a long period of time in children who are weak. The incidence is high in children under 2 years of age and decreases with age. In addition to being more susceptible to respiratory disease than healthy children, children with relapsing symptoms often have a loss of appetite, night sweats, weight loss, and a yellowish complexion. To help parents understand the characteristics of pediatric respiratory diseases and corresponding measures, the following is presented.
Causes of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children.
1, young and weak, immature immune system development
Due to the development of the system, the immune system of children is immature compared to that of adults and is in a state of low immune function. Such as cough reflex and poor cilia movement function, it is difficult to effectively remove the inhaled dust and foreign particles. In addition, some antibodies brought from the mother at birth to fight various infections disappear by 5-6 months as the child grows, and the ability to produce antibodies is not yet sound. In addition, some children with recurrent infections may have immune deficiencies or have low immunoglobulins (i.e., antibodies) due to premature birth or congenital deficiencies, so they are prone to recurrent respiratory infections.
2. Differences in physiological structure lead to easy infection
From the perspective of the anatomical structure of the respiratory tract, the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract of infants and children is tender and particularly vulnerable to attack. In particular, children’s respiratory pathways are narrower, prone to swelling and shortness of breath, which is conducive to the growth and reproduction of pathogens. In addition, the respiratory tract as a direct connection with the outside world at times, under normal circumstances, the pharynx will generally have viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms parasitic. Therefore, when infants and children are suddenly cold, bad mood and low resistance, the local tissue will be attacked by viruses and bacteria, thus causing inflammation.
3.Autumn and winter are good seasons for respiratory tract infections
In autumn and winter, the temperature is low, doors and windows are closed, schools and homes have less time to open windows and ventilation, indoor air quality is poor, viruses and germs are easy to breed; and the temperature difference between day and night is large, improper clothing is easy to get cold or heat; in addition, children like to move, easy to sweat, sweat wet clothes can not be processed in time, resulting in children easy to get cold. These factors make children susceptible to respiratory tract infections, and the low immunity of children results in recurrent respiratory tract infections.
How can recurrent respiratory infections in children be treated?
Generally speaking, if the infection is a simple viral infection, no antibiotic treatment is needed, just drink more water. If it is verified to be caused by bacterial infection, antibiotics need to be taken under the guidance of a doctor.
The prevention of recurrent respiratory infections in children should pay attention to the following points in daily life.
1, enhance the resistance of children
Exercise can effectively strengthen the child’s own immunity, but must pay attention to moderate, continuous and gradual, avoid the intensity of exercise is too large, or too long intervals, otherwise not only can not exercise the effect, but also may be overworked and lead to a decline in immunity. Exercise for small infants can start with gradually increasing outdoor activities, while older children can choose exercise according to their age, such as swimming, climbing stairs, shooting balls, dancing, etc. Strengthening outdoor activities can contact with nature, increase sunshine time, and breathe fresh air, which is conducive to a strong body and enhance resistance to diseases.
2.Keep warm
And keep the air in the living room fresh. Pay attention to the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor in winter, and add and subtract clothes in time; prevent kicking at night; don’t cover too much heat with clothes in general. In addition, pay attention to the cleanliness of indoor air, should open the window 2~3 times a day, about half an hour each time, so that the room air has a chance of convection. Heating and steaming with vinegar can also play a disinfecting effect on the air.
3.Avoid cross infection
Avoid going to public places where the air is dirty, and pay attention to washing the face and hands of children after going out and coming home. Especially to avoid contact with patients who have suffered from respiratory infections. If the parents have a cold, should wear a mask to feed the baby.
4, prevention and control of rickets, anemia and malnutrition and other disorders
Advocate breastfeeding, because breast milk is the most ideal food for infants, its nutrition ratio is appropriate, easy to digest, absorb and use, but also contains some immune factors. Also, attention should be paid to the addition of cod liver oil and calcium to enhance the ability of the respiratory system mucosa to resist disease, and can correct the lack of body resistance caused by rickets, iron deficiency anemia children should also pay attention to the supplementation of iron. In addition, we should pay attention to a reasonable diet, mix meat and vegetables, consume enough protein and calories, and pay attention to the intake of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and fiber.
5. Receive various vaccinations on time
Immunization is an effective weapon to prevent diseases and improve the body’s immunity. Vaccination to enhance immunity can be divided into active and passive immunity. Active immunization is the injection of attenuated pathogens (components) into the human body to generate immunity by stimulating the body’s immune system. The immunity produced under active immunization can exist in the human body for a long time, and in some cases, even for life. Passive immunity involves the injection of purified antibodies into the human body. Passive immunity antibodies exist in the body for a short period of time, and after a period of time they are broken down with the body’s metabolism, and the antibodies cease to exist. In addition to preventing related infectious diseases through vaccination, it can also promote the maturation of pediatric immune system, non-specifically improve immunity and prevent various respiratory infections.
Children with recurrent respiratory infections should seek early medical attention and not blindly self-medicate, especially to rule out the possibility of some congenital immunodeficiency diseases. Most children with recurrent respiratory infections can recover and heal quickly under the guidance of a physician or at a hospital.