Common problems in the treatment of pediatric respiratory tract infections

  Choice of antibiotics: If it is clear that the infection is viral (upper respiratory tract), antibiotics are not needed, but there is a natural course, usually 3-7 days, which can be self-cured and can wait; however, attention should be paid to the double infection, after the infection to the lower respiratory tract, additional antibiotics are usually needed. WHO treatment recommendations for cold and cough: adequate sleep and rest; proper hydration with water; easily digestible and nutritious diet; if the body temperature exceeds T38°C, antipyretics such as ibuprofen may be given.  Most of the upper respiratory tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections that are not serious, with good spirit and no vomiting, do not need to choose infusion.  For those who cannot take oral medication due to severe vomiting or those who are in serious condition, the doctor will choose the appropriate medication for intravenous infusion.  Choice of antipyretic drugs: Parents are concerned about fever, and children younger than 6 years old can develop febrile convulsions, which are pediatric emergencies, and recurrent febrile convulsions can be secondary to epilepsy. Therefore, necessary cooling measures should be taken.  According to the doctor’s prescription, the antipyretic can be repeated every 4 hours, not enough 4 hours to take physical cooling (bath, ice pack, open the wrap), you can choose the antipyretic that is effective for your child according to your experience, you can choose two antipyretics alternately (such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen) to improve the effect and at the same time you can avoid the number and interval of each antipyretic.  When the disease is not fully controlled, fever and cough are inevitable symptoms, and several trips to and from major hospitals every day can only increase the chance of cross-infection. If the child’s condition does not change or shows signs of improvement, follow the doctor’s instructions and adhere to the treatment.  Signs of aggravation: Parents should be aware of the signs of aggravation of their children’s condition to avoid delays. If you notice: poor mental health, lethargy (the child will not pretend); poor facial color (grayish); poor breathing (rapid or irregular); frequent vomiting, inability to eat and drink; small infants refusing to breastfeed or choking; you need to seek medical attention promptly (at any time), except for serious diseases.