Respiratory infections in children are not uncommon especially as the winter season has kicked in. Understanding common respiratory infections that affect children is crucial for early identification, prevention, and appropriate management. In this blogpost, let’s learn about common respiratory infections in children, their causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and available treatment options.
Understanding Common Respiratory Infections
Children are susceptible to a range of respiratory infections, including the common cold, influenza, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. Each infection has distinct characteristics and affects different parts of the respiratory system.
Causes
Respiratory infections in children are primarily caused by viruses such as rhinovirus, influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae or Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Recognizing Symptoms
Common Cold: Symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and sometimes a mild fever.
Influenza: Children with the flu may experience high fever, body aches, fatigue, cough, and sore throat.
Bronchiolitis: Often caused by RSV, bronchiolitis manifests with coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Pneumonia: Symptoms include fever, rapid breathing, chest pain, and sometimes bluish skin due to lack of oxygen.
Prevention Strategies
Vaccination: Keeping children up-to-date with recommended vaccines, including the flu vaccine, can significantly reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Hand Hygiene: Regular handwashing helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory infections.
Avoiding Exposure: Minimizing contact with sick individuals and practicing respiratory hygiene (covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing) is essential.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
Persistent high fever, severe coughing, difficulty breathing, and dehydration are signs that warrant prompt medical attention. Regular check-ups and timely visits to our specialist pediatrician can help in early detection and effective management of respiratory infections.
The tailored guidance aligned with your child’s unique health requisites with our specialist pediatrician at New Apollo Polyclinic can help you prevent the common respiratory infections in your children. With over 7 years of experience as a specialist pediatrician, Dr. Aluramma Annapureddy’s core expertise involves the treatment of common and seasonal infectious diseases, routine comprehensive immunization, and pre-school health check-up. To experience her expertise first hand schedule an appointment with Dr. Alluramma, and make sure that your child is safe against respiratory infections this winter season.
