Rising Lung Infections Among Children:

Know Causes, Symptoms, And Prevention Tips

MAIN CAUSES OF LUNG INFECTIONS AMONG CHILDREN IN URBAN AREAS ARE: Air Pollution:

1st and most important is air pollution and definitely vehicles are the main culprit

Nonjudicial use of AC:

There is no problem with use of AC , problem is frequent change of temperature. Repeatedly rooming in and out from the AC room is dangerous.

Nutrition and Hygiene:

Poor Handwashing habit, Malnutrition, undernourishment are another common factor for lung infections.

Indoor Smoking:

Passive smoking from parents poses a significant risk, impairing children's lung health, and increasing the chances of infection.

COMMON INFECTIONS: Upper ARI:

1. Acute Nasopharyngitis ( common cold ) 2. Acute Pharyngitis ( sore throat ) 3. Croup - Barking cough . It may be dangerous 4. Acute Otitis Media ( Ear infection) 5. Acute Sinusitis ( Infection of Sinuses ) 6. Acute Laryngitis 7. Acute Tracheities

Lower RTIs: 1. Acute Bronchiolitis:

It is very much common among the infants. Peak age is around 6 months of age . It may required nebulisation and admission

2. Pneumonia:

Infection of lung . Most of the times it required hospitalisation.

COMMON SYMPTOMS:

Most of the above situations are initially occurred by viral infections and later on bacteria’s entered into the field. The commonly affected groups are 6 months to 5 years of age. The common symptoms are Cough , Cold , Running nose , Fever and mild loose motion.

PREVENTION:

Avoid frequent change of temperature.

Avoid Dust:

Use mask if required.

Maintain Hydration:

Adequate water intake

Vaccination:

Don’t miss any vaccine for healthy body.

Inputs By:

Dr Dhrubajyoti Halder, MBBS ( Medical College, Kolkata ), Techno DAMA Hospital