Pediatrician Dr. Nuray Kurt Önal said that children, whose immunity is weaker than adults, can get sick frequently with the cooling of the weather in winter months, increased air pollution, contact with more people and particles indoors.
Pointing out that indoor environments such as schools, kindergartens, indoor playgrounds, shopping malls, public transportation vehicles prepare a favorable environment for germs spread by droplets and respiration, Medicana Bursa Hospital Pediatrics Specialist Dr. Nuray Kurt Önal said, “Droplets spread from one child to another through coughs and sneezes, as well as by children touching each other and each other's belongings. In addition, in cold weather, both due to heaters and cold, the wet tissues surrounding the nose and mouth dry out on the skin. The functioning of protective mechanisms is reduced. Movement decreases and the tendency to eat heavier and unhealthier foods increases. Infection can therefore occur in many people in a short time. The winter exam, which children and families participate in together, has also begun.”
Stating that the most common health problem in children is upper respiratory tract diseases, Dr. Nuray Kurt Önal said, “There are more than 200 viruses that cause inflammation of the nose and throat, and these viruses are often the disease agents. Bacteria can also dominate the respiratory tract both with their own pathogenic structures and through patient-related conditions such as lack of vaccination, weakened immunity, inadequate nasal hygiene. The number of upper respiratory tract infections, which can reach 5-8 times a year, can increase even more in school-going children. Moreover, this number is even higher in the first years of school, which can mean contact with a large number of sick children for the first time. The number is likely to decrease with age. In this process, it may be necessary to examine the functioning of the immune system of children in cases where the diseases are more severe than expected, require hospitalization, and frequently progress to organ infections such as pneumonia, otitis media and meningitis.”
Dr. Nuray Kurt Önal listed the most common respiratory diseases in children as follows;
“Colds (flu), the most common causative agent is rhinovirus, but many viruses can also be the causative agent. Both children and adults have symptoms such as mild fever, headache, weakness, fatigue, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, burning and pain in the throat within 3-4 days following exposure. Influenza is the most common droplet-transmitted disease of the winter months. Although it usually presents as a mild upper respiratory tract infection accompanied by high fever, persistent fever, runny nose, sore throat, red eyes, dry cough, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and widespread muscle aches are also common. Acute bronchiolitis is an infection caused by viruses that especially affects babies under 1 year of age and can be severe enough to require hospitalization in babies younger than 2 months. Children under 1 year of age exposed to crowded or smoking environments are more at risk. Since it affects the bronchioles, the smallest airways in the lungs, symptoms of respiratory distress such as rapid breathing, deep chest tightness, moaning, wheezing, bruising and fatigue may be observed. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria and viruses. Symptoms include high fever, weakness, loss of appetite, cough, phlegm, difficulty breathing, chest and abdominal pain. If treated in time, it can be completely cured, but if it is late, undesirable conditions such as abscess, fluid collection may develop and can even be life-threatening between the ages of 1-4. Therefore, it is very important to consult a physician to evaluate a child with upper respiratory tract infection for pneumonia in case of fever exceeding 3 days or symptoms of respiratory distress. Otitis (inflammation of the middle ear), following an upper respiratory tract infection, the infection can pass from the throat to the middle ear through the Eustachian tube between the throat and the ear. There may be complaints such as unbearable ear pain, high fever, dizziness, decreased hearing, noise coming from the ear, and it can be exacerbated at night due to increased pressure in the ear when lying down.”
Dr. Nuray Kurt Önal listed a few important points in order to pass the winter exam without getting stuck in infections as follows;
“Avoiding closed and crowded environments, air pollution and cigarette smoke. Ventilating indoor environments frequently. Feeding with breast milk during breastfeeding. Eating a balanced and healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C in meals and avoiding packaged-acidic foods. Gaining the habit of hand washing, especially being sensitive about hand washing before meals and after using the toilet. Drink enough fluids, especially water. Dressing in a way that protects from both sweating and cold, adjusting the ambient temperature so as not to cause the air to become too dry. Moisturizing in rooms with a heater to prevent nasal dryness. Establishing a regular sleep schedule. Regular cleaning of contact toys and objects. Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use. Childhood vaccinations and flu vaccination in high-risk groups. Reducing contact with other people in case of illness, covering the mouth and nose with a tissue during sneezing and coughing.”
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