Acute respiratory infection is the most common disease in infants and young children, among which upper respiratory tract infection ranks first in outpatient visits to children's hospitals across the country. Here are four aspects to introduce knowledge about prevention and treatment:
1. Understanding the causes of the disease. Children have a high incidence rate, many complications, and are prone to pneumonia. It is not only related to the physiological and immune characteristics of children, but also to their health status, improper nursing, and unscientific feeding.
2、 Early identification of disease changes. Pay close attention to your breathing condition. Acute respiratory infections are divided into two categories: upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Although the incidence rate in infancy is very high, most of them are upper respiratory tract infections, which can occur all the year round. Most of them occur in winter and spring, and are caused by viruses or germs. Generally, they can be cured after 3 to 5 days of treatment and nursing. Once the infection involves the tonsils, middle ear, and other areas, fever and systemic symptoms will worsen, and the condition will be prolonged. In severe cases, it can develop into pneumonia, endangering life. At present, with the development of the medical industry, the cure rate of pediatric pneumonia is very high, but the key lies in early detection and timely treatment. It is particularly important to remind parents that accelerated breathing is the main manifestation of childhood pneumonia. Reminder: Mild pneumonia should be promptly diagnosed and treated at the hospital, antibiotics should be taken, and a follow-up visit is still required two days later. If there is persistent fever, wheezing, and chest depression while breathing rapidly, it indicates that the pneumonia is severe and should be immediately hospitalized for treatment. It is best to use antibiotics once before going to the hospital. When children experience restlessness, drowsiness, difficulty waking up, refusal to eat, convulsions, inability to drink water, coughing or wheezing when quiet, and cyanosis of the lips and nails in addition to the above conditions, it indicates severe pneumonia and should be immediately sent to the hospital for rescue. Antibiotics should be taken once before being sent to the hospital. At this time, for the susceptible children and infants under 2 months old mentioned above, if respiratory infections are found, they should go to the hospital for treatment in a timely manner.
3、 Take good care of your home. The vast majority of upper respiratory tract infections are viral infections, and generally require strengthened care and targeted treatment, which can be cured within 3-5 days.
1. The general nursing environment should be quiet and tidy, patient with the child, and make them mentally happy. Indoor air should be regularly ventilated and kept at a certain temperature (around 20 ℃) and humidity (relative humidity of 60% is appropriate). Clothing should not be too much, and small babies should not be wrapped too tightly, otherwise it is not conducive to breathing; It is recommended to frequently pick up, turn over, and pat the baby's back to facilitate the discharge of phlegm.
2. Symptomatic treatment of fever is common in acute respiratory infections. The processing method should vary according to the level of heat. For high fever (above 39 ℃), antipyretics are needed. Parents can administer them to their children according to medical advice. Usually once every 6 hours until the heat subsides. If the fever is between 38 ℃ and 39 ℃, simply increase the child's intake of water, wear less clothing, cover less blankets, and the baby can remove the blanket to cool down without taking antipyretics. Antipyretic drugs are not suitable for newborns.
3. Drink plenty of water. Drink a small amount of water multiple times, or drink light fruit juice to supplement the water loss caused by fever and accelerated breathing in the body, avoid dehydration, and worsen the condition. In addition, supplementing water also has the effect of cooling down, diluting phlegm, and making it easier to cough up phlegm.
4. Dietary regulation: Breastfeeders can continue to breastfeed without any additional restrictions; Weaned individuals should be encouraged to eat small amounts multiple times to maintain sufficient food intake. Easy to digest foods such as milk, steamed eggs, rice soup, fruit juice, porridge, and rotten noodles are recommended to prevent the child from losing weight due to illness. For those who lose weight due to diet loss in the acute phase, they should supplement food after their appetite improves during the recovery period, add a Dim sum or a meal to compensate for the loss during the illness, so that the weight can quickly return to its original state.
4、 Strengthen prevention and take targeted measures based on the causes of the disease.
1. Active exercise is very important for children to use natural factors such as sunlight, air, and water to exercise their bodies from an early age. Regular outdoor activities such as sunbathing, sports activities, sleeping through windows, and frequent bathing are all simple and feasible methods. As long as they persist, they can enhance physical fitness and resistance to cold and temperature changes in the environment, reducing the incidence of acute respiratory infections.
2. Strengthen nutrition and promote breastfeeding. Breast milk is not only nutritious, but also contains a large amount of antibodies, which have a protective effect on young infants. When a baby is 4 months old, complementary foods should be added in a timely manner to supplement the deficiency of breast milk. After weaning, a balanced diet should be advocated to ensure sufficient protein and vitamin A. Poor dietary habits, such as picky eating, should be corrected in a timely manner.
3. To prevent cross infection, basic immunization should be completed on time within one year to increase immunity to respiratory infections such as measles and pertussis. Take children to public places less often and avoid visiting sick families to prevent cross infection. Clothing should not be too much or too little, and should be adjusted according to climate change. Sudden weather changes, environmental pollution, and passive smoking are all causes of acute respiratory infections, and precautions should be taken.