Protecting children from respiratory illnesses during winter key: Expert

Image for representational purposes only. Photo Courtesy: iStock

Winter, while often associated with festive celebrations, also sees a surge in infectious diseases. The chilly season is marked by an upswing in respiratory illnesses including the common cold, flu, and acute bronchitis in the children. They can even suffer from pneumonia. It is essential to take timely treatment to protect the children from falling further sick.

"During the winter, children can be impacted by a myriad of respiratory illnesses. A large number of children suffer from common colds, coughs, and fever. Bronchiolitis holds a prominent place. Mostly affecting infants and toddlers, it is an illness involving inflammation of small airways in the lungs that is bronchioles caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This virus spreads via droplets from a cough or sneeze and initiates symptoms like runny nose, fever, and wheezing. We are also seeing cases because of Adenovirus and influenza group of viruses. Another winter-related respiratory illness in children is pneumonia which is an infection inflaming one or both lung air sacs with fluid or pus leading to serious breathing difficulty. It could be bacteria, viruses, or fungi that bring about this condition but during winter increased indoor activity can facilitate its spread within families causing more severe pneumonia in kids than adults. Similarly, asthmatic flare-ups instigated by cold weather can make one's breathing difficult," said Dr Tushar Parikh, Senior Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals Pune.

Dr Parikh added, "Other common indicators include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and a hoarse voice. Some patients may also experience loss of taste or smell, tiredness or lethargy, breathing difficulties, diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting as initial signs of these diseases. Children commonly present with high fever, cold/ cough, change of voice, and sometimes with breathing difficulty. Commonly children during the first 5 years are affected. Air pollution seems to be badly increasing these symptoms in children."

These are foolproof measures that children should follow. "Cleanse hands with soap and water before eating. Teach children to cover their mouths while coughing and sneezing. Those showing symptoms of illnesses should be isolated at home until they are no longer contagious. When caring for these children, it's crucial to use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks, and safely discard any used items. A child should remain in isolation until they are no longer contagious. Proper vaccinations for children to avoid seasonal sicknesses can do the trick. The pneumonia vaccine and the annual flu vaccine should be taken without fail. Children should avoid crowded places and being around sick people, maintain a safe distance from others, wear a mask, stay hydrated, take medication as suggested by the doctor, and eat a nutritious diet," concluded Dr Parikh.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.