Respiratory infections in young children (6 months – 3 years) are common in cold seasons and some cases can be quite serious and frightening for parents. Viral infection at a young age can cause acute illness and may be associated with the development of wheezing and asthma later in life.
“Every year with the cooling of the climate and the onset of the autumn-winter season, the number of respiratory tract infections in children increases. The main route of transmission is by air. The most common causes of disease: the attendance of communities crowded in the case of children. An average of 6-10 episodes of exacerbations per year is considered normal. The most common colds are caused by more than 200 viral strains: adenovirus, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, followed by influenza virus and more recently Sars Cov 2 “, said pediatrician Alla Chichicea
Respiratory diseases are frequently found in children, both viral and infectious. The weakened immune system is generally what facilitates the development of such conditions, together with some anatomical peculiarities of the respiratory system, writes Noi.md with reference to realitatea.md.
“Acute cold nasopharyngitis is the most common seasonal disease with predominantly nose and throat and is characterized by nasal obstruction, nasal discharge that changes appearance during illness, fever 38 in people with compromised immunity. Nasopharyngitis can lead to sinusitis and otitis. acute middle. Adenoiditis in exacerbation and complicated by infection of the lower respiratory tract (Bronchiolitis in the case of infants, obstructive bronchitis in children and pneumonia. The most vulnerable are infants, these respiratory infections can lead to difficulties in feeding (due to obstruction nasal) and respiratory distress – requiring hospitalization, “says Alla Chichicea.
Wheezing or wheezing is a sign of respiratory infection and an important signal that the little patient needs the doctor’s attention to receive the necessary medications.
Almost all respiratory infections are caused by viruses, so antibiotics won’t cure them.
“The signs of a cold can persist for about 3 weeks after contact with the virus. As a non-specific prevention: measures to ventilate the crowded room in case of school groups, wash hands and avoid the habit of bringing unwashed hands to the mouth and nose! ” , cites Alla Chichicea.
There are additional tests and investigations that can help your pediatrician diagnose a respiratory infection. He may recommend several blood tests, x-rays, echocardiograms, or lung function tests.
