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A guide to understanding common respiratory diseases in children

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A guide to understanding common respiratory diseases in children

Pulmonology | by CMRI | Published on 12/11/2021



Respiratory diseases are quite common, especially when it comes to small children. The environment around us is filled with many pollutants and microbes, which can easily invade our bodies and impact our respiratory tract and lungs. As we are discussing respiratory diseases, there is one thing that you need to know. Many people believe that respiratory diseases are only those which affect the lungs, however, these also involve conditions affecting the nose and throat. As the respiratory tract is open, germs can easily enter inside without you even knowing about them. After all, breathing in germs is just like breathing in air. Top pulmonologists in Kolkata suggest that one of the major reasons why respiratory diseases are more common in children is that adults tend to have a well-developed immune system as compared to children, who do not have a fully built immunity to different microbes.

In this blog, we have elaborated on some of the common respiratory diseases that are very prominent in children, with the help of experts from the best hospital for TB treatment in Kolkata.

 

Influenza - Commonly referred to as flu, an influencer is a very common viral infection marked by almost a week-long of symptoms like high fever, muscle ache, runny nose, cough, and general body weakness. The condition can prove to be dangerous if necessary measures are not taken. The prognosis is much better in the case of adults as compared to children. Unlike others, children tend to have very severe digestive symptoms and the fever is comparatively higher. The risks of Influenza can be alleviated with vaccination.

Treatments are also available for the effective management of the symptoms. Infants can be vaccinated after crossing 6 months of age. The dose is to be repeated every year owing to the fact that the composition of the vaccination is usually changed as per the changing strain of the virus.

Once the child has been vaccinated, it will take about 2 months to become fully effective. It is important to know that there is no medicine that can help to completely cure influenza however some medicines can help to reduce the period of illness provided these are taken within the initial 48 hours.

 

Common cold - The problem is as common as its name suggests. The common cold is also a viral infection that targets the upper respiratory tract. It is highly contagious some experts suggest that children are likely to develop the infection six to eight times a year. It is marked by symptoms that are somewhat similar to influenza. These include runny nose, soreness in the throat, persistent coughing, and sneezing. In extreme cases, headaches and body aches are also common. It is important to know that the common cold is not as dangerous as influenza however it is important to manage the problem effectively. Focus on giving your child healthy meals and make sure that he/she is taking enough fluids. This will help to boost the recovery. Avoid giving any medicine to your child without consulting an expert. Over-the-counter, cough, and cold medication should not be given to two infants in children below 2 years of age unless recommended by the doctor.

 

Asthma - Childhood asthma is also a serious condition that affects the lungs. The condition is marked by pressure in the chest, breathlessness, wheezing, and coughing. As per the top children's asthma doctor, the symptoms of asthma in children are very much similar to those experienced by adults however these are quite severe in the case of the latter. Children on the other hand are more prone to allergies. If you have a child suffering from asthma it is important to understand that there are a number of factors that can trigger an asthma attack, which calls for the need for extra care. Your child can develop an asthma attack by healing environmental pollutants and allergens. These include dust and pet dander. Unfortunately, if asthma is not managed properly it can elevate the risks of bronchitis and pneumonia.