10 hours agoAuthor: Shivakant Shukla
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winter The weather is quite challenging for children. Their immunity becomes weak due to cold temperature, dry air and staying indoors for a long time. In such situations, children need proper care. Due to a little carelessness, they may suffer from respiratory diseases like cold, flu, bronchitis and pneumonia.
According to a report published in the National Library of Medicine, every year in India, about 4 lakh children under five years of age die due to respiratory diseases. Every year in India, 13% to 16% of the child deaths due to various reasons are due to Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI). From this we can estimate its seriousness.
The risk of respiratory infections increases in children in winter. However, children can be protected from this with proper care and adequate safety measures.
so today needed news In this we will talk about respiratory infections.
Expert: Dr. S. Jade. Jafri, Pulmonologist and Allergist, Indore
Question- What is respiratory infection?
answer- Respiratory infection is a serious problem related to breathing. This occurs 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 spread through bacteria present in the air or by coming in contact with infected persons.
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 at greater risk of respiratory infections in winter?
answer- A major reason for respiratory infections in children in winter is their weak immune system. Children stay indoors for more time 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 reach their body.
Understand from the graphic below which respiratory diseases increase the risk of children in winter.
Question- What are the symptoms of respiratory infection?
answer- If the child has frequent cold, fever, cough or difficulty in breathing, then it can be a sign of respiratory infection. This should not be ignored. Apart from this, there are some other symptoms of respiratory infection. Understand this from the graphic below-
Question- Which children are more at risk of respiratory infection?
answer- Children from newborn to 5 years of age are at higher risk of respiratory infections. Apart from this, these children are also at higher risk –
- Children whose immunity is weak.
- Children who have heart or lung related diseases.
- Children in whose house someone smokes.
- Children whose mother smoked directly or passively during pregnancy.
- Children who live in areas where pollution is high.
Question- How dangerous is respiratory infection?
answer- The severity of respiratory infection depends on what level it is. Generally it is of two types. First is upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and second is lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI).
Upper Respiratory Infection (URTI)
In this, the bacteria or virus affects the upper respiratory tract i.e. nose, throat and voice box. It can spread through direct contact with droplets from a sneeze or cough.
Apart from this, the virus can also spread by touching your nose or mouth with hands that have come in contact with bacteria. It usually resolves after treatment, but prolonged infection may cause ear pain or throat swelling.
Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI)
It affects the lungs and the tract below the throat. This infection 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 the child gets respiratory infection?
answer- If the child has respiratory problems, consult a doctor immediately without any delay. The doctor will prescribe medicines and precautions based on the symptoms of the child. Follow this.
Question- What should parents do to protect their children from respiratory infections?
answer- Pulmonologist Dr. S. Jade. Jaffrey says that to protect children from this, they should get influenza vaccine once a year. This vaccine reduces the risk of viral infection. Apart from this, parents can also adopt some other measures. Understand this from the graphic below-
Question- What is the treatment of respiratory infection?
answer- For this, doctors give antiviral or antibiotic medicines. They may give syrup to reduce persistent and irritating cough. If the condition worsens, oxygen therapy can also be given.
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Read this important news also
Important news – Increase in cough and cold in winter: Eat Vitamin C, take steam, listen to 5 advices of doctor to avoid infection.
Cold or cough is most common in winter. This viral infection spreads rapidly. Usually, cold and cough get cured in 1-2 weeks, but sometimes it can bother for a long time. To avoid this, it is important for our immunity to be strong. The stronger the immunity, the less will be the risk of cold and viral infections. Read the full news…