Showing posts with label Respiratory System Diseases. Show all posts

The Constant Sneeze: The Impact on Children's Quality of Life

Frequent Sneezing in Children:

Understanding the Mechanisms of Sneezing:

Reflex Action: Sneezing is a reflex action triggered by irritation of the nasal mucosa, the lining of the nasal passages.
Expulsion of Irritants: The forceful expulsion of air through the nose helps to remove foreign particles and irritants.

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever):

Common Allergens: Common allergens that can trigger allergic rhinitis include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
Symptoms: In addition to sneezing, allergic rhinitis can cause a runny nose, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and fatigue.
Management: Treatment for allergic rhinitis may involve avoiding allergens, using over-the-counter medications, or seeking prescription allergy shots.

Infections:

Common Cold: The common cold is a viral infection that often causes sneezing, along with other symptoms like runny nose, cough, and congestion.
Sinus Infections: Bacterial or viral infections of the sinuses can lead to nasal congestion and sneezing.
Other Infections: Less common infections, such as influenza or whooping cough, can also cause sneezing.

Environmental Factors:

Irritants: Exposure to irritants like smoke, pollution, or strong odors can irritate the nasal passages and trigger sneezing.
Dry Air: Dry air can cause nasal dryness and irritation, leading to sneezing.
Temperature Changes: Sudden changes in temperature can also contribute to sneezing.

Medical Conditions:

Nasal Polyps: Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths in the nasal passages that can cause nasal congestion and sneezing.
Medications: Certain medications, such as beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors, can cause sneezing as a side effect.
Neurological Conditions: Some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis, can affect the nerves that control sneezing.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

Persistent Sneezing: If your child's sneezing persists despite home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, it's important to consult a healthcare provider.
Worsening Symptoms: If sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cough, it's essential to seek medical attention.
Chronic Sneezing: Chronic sneezing can significantly impact a child's quality of life and may require further evaluation.

By understanding the underlying causes of frequent sneezing in children and seeking appropriate medical attention when necessary, parents can help their children manage this common symptom and improve their overall well-being.

What is diphtheria?

Croup or laryngitis is a respiratory infection that occurs most often during the winter. It can be caused by allergies, bacteria, or inhaled irritants, but it is usually the result of infection with a virus

Most of the time, parainfluenza virus is the cause, but other viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and measles, can also cause diphtheria.

Diphtheria is most common in children ages 3 months to 5 years, although a child can develop diphtheria at any age. The disease usually occurs in the cooler months, between October and March. Most cases of diphtheria today are not serious, but a severe case may require hospitalization.

What are the symptoms of croup?

Because the swell is located in the throat, your child's cough will be loud. If your child has a very severe and deep cough, it is likely that he has croup. In fact, this cough is so distinctive that a doctor can diagnose a child's condition by listening to him over the phone.

Signs of croup often appear within a few days of a cold. As the days go by, your child may wheez and may also have a hoarse voice and have a high temperature.

Croup often peaks during the first two or three nights, and usually goes away within a week or two.

Is croup dangerous?

Not as dangerous as it used to be. Today, vaccines against measles, Haemophilus influenzae and diphtheria are available and protect children against some serious forms of diphtheria. Most symptoms disappear within a week without any problems. If your child has a severe case of croup, this can lead to breathing difficulties.

When should you call the doctor?

Call the doctor immediately if you suspect your child has croup. You will likely be asked specific questions about your child's coughing and breathing, in order to prescribe the appropriate treatment.

The importance of phlegm:

Sputum is a viscous mucous substance, with a yellowish-white color. It is naturally secreted from the pharynx, lungs, and bronchi. Its secretion increases in many cases to protect the body from bacteria, viruses, and dust and expel it from the body. Phlegm also facilitates the work of the respiratory cilia. Many infants suffer from sputum as a result of various diseases of the respiratory system, which causes them distress, discomfort, and inability to breastfeed, because of their inability to get rid of sputum by spitting like adults, but rather the bulk of it is swallowed, or the mother helps them. To get rid of it by following several methods that we will mention during this topic.

Causes of sputum formation:

Sputum or mucus is present naturally in the respiratory tracts, and its natural color is a transparent color close to white, but the production of sputum in large quantities or a change in its color is usually associated with the presence of a specific disease in the respiratory system, and the most important of these reasons include the following:

Respiratory allergy, sinus sensitivity.
Normal runny nose, coinciding with a runny nose and morning sputum, due to sputum coming back at night while sleeping.
Pneumonia.
Inflammation of the bronchi or bronchi, and is considered a chronic disease, accompanied by severe coughing and high fever.
Asthma.

How to get rid of baby phlegm:

Avoid sleeping the infant on a high pillow, to facilitate the process of mucus, phlegm and sputum coming out of the nose, and avoid returning to the pharynx.
Breastfeed the baby more, to boost the functioning of the immune system.
Make sure to give the baby warm fluids, which stimulate the expulsion of sputum.
Use a saline solution to wash the nose of the infant in cases of colds. It is available in pharmacies in the form of ready-made solutions, or it can be prepared at home by dissolving half a spoonful of salt in a cup of previously boiled water.
Keep the infant away from the atmosphere polluted by cigarette smoke.
Avoid exposing the infant to climatic fluctuations, that is, taking the infant out of the house in very cold or very hot weather.
Use the aspirator available in pharmacies to clean the infant's nostrils, or you can use cotton soaked in saline several times a day.
Make sure to warm the baby's room, ventilate it, and expose it to the sun from time to time, to renew the room's air and rid it of microbes.

Respiratory infections:

Viruses of all kinds multiply during the cold period and cause infections in the respiratory system, from the nose to the lungs. All age groups are concerned with these infections, but their impact on children is greater.

Types of germs that infect children:

They are three types of viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and 80 percent of diseases are caused by viruses, knowing that antibiotics do not have any effect on viruses, but rather have an effect on bacteria, so you should not rush into self-treatment.

Signs of illness:

- High temperatures:

The temperature rises suddenly, and the mother has to speed up giving her child the necessary urgent medicines to avoid a rise in temperature more because of its negative repercussions, knowing that it is possible that the signs of the disease during the first 48 hours are limited to a rise in temperature only.

Lowering temperatures:

Medicines can be used to avoid high temperatures, as well as reduce clothes, and avoid covering the child with blankets, because his body is not like that of an adult.
Drink fluids and avoid being warm.
Use compresses on the head, hands and limbs.
Bathing the child by pouring water on his limbs gradually for a period of 5 or 10 minutes, then drying him, and the process can be repeated several times a day, because the temperature may rise again.

Runny nose and cough:

In parallel with these operations, you must contact the doctor, because after 48 hours new signs of the disease will appear, including a runny nose, coughing, and wheezing in the chest, and it is most often caused by inflammation in the child’s bronchi, and the disease can cause blockage of these bronchioles and difficulty breathing, so from It is necessary to consult a doctor to diagnose the condition and to know whether or not the child has a viral disease.

The risk of pneumonia:

Pneumonia is not dangerous, but it can become serious when breathing is difficult or blue circles appear under the eyes and blue traces in the extremities as a result of a lack of oxygen, and it is a condition that requires the urgent intervention of the doctor to avoid aggravation of the condition. for purpose.
And feeding the baby with small and frequent feedings throughout the day while continuing to use compresses.
And some cases may require the child to be hospitalized for 24 hours to facilitate the process of breathing through oxygen
And this disease is acute at the age of between two months and nine months.

protection:

One of the factors that help exacerbate the disease is dampness and cold, so it is necessary to avoid transmission of infection through kissing of children by adults who are sick with colds, and to avoid sleeping next to them.
It is necessary to wash hands because viruses can be transmitted through them.
Avoid petting children directly after entering the house. You must change clothes and wash hands.
Humidity and cold contribute to the multiplication of viruses, so it must be warmed, especially in the early hours of dawn.
The disease may last for a child between 5 and 10 days. Transmission of infection between children should be avoided by not taking the child to kindergarten or nursery or isolating the sick child from other children.
Confirming the necessary vaccinations for children and their completeness, because they are much more important than antibiotics.

Eruption of teeth and high temperatures:

The emergence of teeth is not the cause of the high temperatures, but the lack of immunity in that period due to the emergence of teeth and the child resorting to putting anything in his mouth, which causes germs to leak into his body contribute to the high temperatures.

Sleep Apnea:

Sleep apnea in children is a medical problem that must be paid attention to. It's not just snoring that comes and goes; This masks a more significant respiratory disorder.

When to consider sleep apnea in children We cannot reduce this disorder to simple snoring in some babies at birth. In this case, sleep apnea is a change in breathing that occurs during rest time.

Obstructive sleep apnea in children occurs when a child's breathing stops for a period of time. This cut-off can be partial, with a certain air flow remaining. or completely, with no oxygen exchange during this time.

Hence the seriousness of the disorder that must be addressed and resolved. In fact, without the entry and exit of gases for metabolism, many bodily functions are disrupted, including those of the brain. In this article, we talk more about sleep apnea in children and its possible treatments.

Causes of sleep apnea in children:

The root cause of this problem in young children lies in the structure of their airways. By itself, a child's airway is smaller than an adult's, with a limited diameter that can sometimes become obstructed due to the elasticity of the trachea.

Some babies have narrower airways than others, for anatomical reasons or because of frequent infections. Also, from an anatomical point of view, a small trachea resulting from specific cartilage does not resemble an enlarged tonsil.

One of the most common causes is tonsil enlargement. This lymphatic tissue that acts as a defense can increase in size and prevent air from entering the body properly. Especially when lying down.

The shape of the lower jaw is also a risk factor. Babies with smaller facial bones have a different door for air access, which makes it difficult for them to get inside.

On the other hand, children who are overweight have a multiplier factor. On the other hand, the fat accumulated in the neck presses on the trachea. On the other hand, the tongue is extended and lowered back in the sleeping position.

Children with cerebral palsy are a special case. This condition is characterized by more fluid muscle tension which promotes bronchial obstruction.

Visible symptoms of this disorder:

The signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in children are related to the respiratory system. The main thing is snoring. These are infants who snore a lot, and their voices are similar to those of adults.

In turn, snoring is often accompanied by a pause in breathing and rhythm. This is called free. When there is no inhalation or exhalation and lung mechanics are suspended for a moment.

Sometimes parents or teachers discover this phenomenon, but most of the time it goes unnoticed. This does not mean that we have to constantly monitor our children's sleep, but we must pay attention every now and then, especially the sounds.

Children with obstructive sleep apnea prefer to breathe through their mouths because this mechanism increases the volume of air. However, it dries out the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, which increases thirst and nighttime awakenings.

Long-term effects of sleep apnea in children:

What are the consequences of lack of rest and decreased oxygen intake during sleep? Well, children with this disorder tend to be hyperactive during the day. This results in a higher caloric expenditure. Therefore, if there is no compensation, it may delay the correct progression of the baby's weight.

In addition, children with obstructive apnea are also at risk of developing early changes in their nascent teeth. According to an article in the Journal of the Mexican Dental Association, bruxism or bruxism is more common in children with this sleep disorder.

In the long term, in adolescence and adulthood, children who have experienced obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to develop high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. This becomes more evident in obese children.

Possible treatments:

Treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea vary. Among the strategies currently available, we can cite the following:

Nasal corticosteroids:

It is used topically for congestion of the mucous membranes of the nose. They are effective for rhinitis and should always be prescribed by a doctor.

Adenoid surgery:

Adenoidectomy is the treatment of choice for children with enlarged tonsils.

Health and nutritional measures:

In mild cases, the situation may improve by modifying habits. For example, the baby's bedtime position, sleep schedule, distribution of meals, and the distance between the last meal and bedtime.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment:

In severe cases that do not improve with any of the above alternatives, continuous positive airway pressure equipment is used. It involves injecting positive air pressure into the airways to force enough oxygen into the lungs. This represents the last option, because its use is then chronic.

How do you deal with sleep apnea in your child?

If your child has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, do not panic, but provide him with proper care. The period of children's development is very important because it affects the rest of their lives.

Use of corona tests in children:

In an opinion issued on April 26, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) now recommends the use of corona tests also for those under 15 years of age.

In the event that symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 appear and persist in a child, especially in the case of fever, it is advisable to isolate the child and consult a general practitioner or pediatrician, who will judge the need for a test. For Covid-19 (PCR, antigen, or even saliva if the child is under 6 years old). A physical examination is important so as not to miss a potentially more serious illness in the baby, such as meningitis.

Therefore, it is better not to take corona tests at any cost, at least in children. After all, the sampling gesture remains invasive and can be difficult to perform properly in young children.

In general, infants and children appear to be less affected by SARS-CoV-2, and when they are, they develop less severe forms than adults. The scientific literature indicates asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic forms in children, often with mild symptoms (mainly colds, fever, and gastrointestinal disorders). In children, fever is particularly prevalent, when they develop symptoms.

In very rare cases, Covid-19 in children can cause multisystem inflammatory syndrome, MIS-C, a condition similar to Kawasaki disease, which can affect the coronary arteries. However, this serious syndrome can be managed in intensive care and lead to a complete cure.

The issue of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus by children has been the subject of debate and several studies with contradictory results. However, a scientific consensus seems to be emerging, and that children a priori spread the virus less than adults. It may also become more polluted in the private sphere than in the school, especially since masks and barrier gestures are mandatory in schools.

As for the tests to detect the presence of the Corona virus, the antigen test is now allowed for children under the age of 15, as well as saliva tests,

There are no contraindications to vaccinating children. Tests conducted by Pfizer and BioNTech found effective protection against coronavirus in children. Before vaccinating children, laboratories will have to obtain approval from various regulatory authorities around the world.

What is bronchiolitis?

Bronchitis is a viral disease that affects the small bronchioles of infants and causes internal inflammation that results in the closure of these bronchioles and increased secretion of mucus that blocks them, making breathing difficult.

Since this is a disease caused by a virus, there is no cure for it, so the treatment is to help the infant recover on his own by trying to relieve symptoms, and good nutrition so that his immune system can fight it.

Therefore, bronchiolitis does not require:

Antibiotics:

Because it is directed to eliminate bacteria, not viruses.

Anti-inflammatories:

Because it has not been proven effective in treating bronchiolitis, and it may weaken the immune system, making the infant more susceptible to bacterial infection.

Antitussives:

Because coughing is a protective reaction that allows the infant to expel the mucus and secretions accumulated inside the lungs, and inhibiting this reflex causes the secretions to remain and exacerbate shortness of breath.

bronchioles dilators:

Like salbutamol because in this case, the bronchioles are blocked by secretions, not by their contraction.

Physiotherapy to remove secretions:

Because it did not prove any effectiveness in reducing the duration of the disease. It may even lead to complications and unnecessarily torture the infant.

Aerosol spray:

It has not been proven effective.

So what is the treatment?

Clean the nose well every two hours or before feeding and sleeping, to allow the infant to breathe comfortably, as infants do not breathe through the mouth. It also allows excretion of secretions that cause coughing:

Place the infant in a sitting position of 30 degrees, so that secretions do not accumulate inside the lungs.
Continuing breastfeeding on demand, taking into account the infant's ability to suck and not forcing him to complete the feeding, but rather being patient with him and giving him rest periods until he takes a good breath.
If he is over 6 months old, give him plenty of fluids.
Avoid secondhand smoke.
Ventilate the room well.
Use paracetamol to reduce fever with water compresses and avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (AINS).

When do I visit the doctor?

You should go to the doctor if:

You notice a change in the child's breathing (rapidity, or shortness of breath)
If it becomes bluish, or pale.
If you notice a change in his normal condition (lack of response, lack of play, fatigue, ...)
Undernutrition by more than 50%.

In these cases, hospitalization may be required to provide oxygen to the infant and feeding through a gastric tube or vein.

What is respiratory syncytial virus?

Respiratory syncytial virus is an infection that can have severe consequences for children under the age of two. However, this is rare because the majority of children recover from the disease without problems.

This type of infection is more common in winter and spring. It causes respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold. However, there are children in whom respiratory syncytial virus follows bronchitis and pneumonia. So it is important to be vigilant.

RSV symptoms usually go away within five to seven days. Most children get it before the age of three. It should be noted that it generates short-term immunity, so that the disease may reappear.

Why is RSV dangerous to infants?

In some cases, severe infection may occur. Although this disease can occur at any age, it tends to be more severe in infants.

This is because babies' airways are not well developed. Therefore, they cannot cough up mucus like a more mature body. This can lead to a more serious problem called bronchiolitis, or even pneumonia. Children most at risk of contracting respiratory syncytial virus are those who meet the following criteria:

Very young infants, less than 6 months old.
Premature or low birth weight infants.
A child under two years old with chronic lung disease.
A child under two years old has heart problems.
Infants whose immune system has been weakened by illness or other treatment.
Children with neuromuscular disorders, especially if their swallowing or phlegm is limited.
Exposure to maternal smoking during pregnancy or passive smoking at home.
Respiratory syncytial virus tends to affect children under 3 years of age.

The main symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus:

The symptoms of RSV are very similar to those of the common cold.

However, it is important to closely monitor the progression of the infection to detect any signs of worsening:

Fever
Dry cough or phlegm.
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
sneeze
irritability
lack of appetite
Low energy

The appearance of other, more severe symptoms is often a sign that the infection has worsened.

Symptoms indicating this are:

rapid or difficult breathing
The nostrils are widened.
The rib cage sinks, forming a "V" while breathing.
Lethargy or slow movements.
The child is more sleepy than usual.
Sometimes the child stops breathing.

Possible complications:

The main complication occurs when respiratory syncytial virus disease progresses to bronchiolitis. It is an inflammation of the small airways of the lung. The bronchi can also become inflamed and cause bronchitis.

In more serious cases, the infection progresses to pneumonia, that is, an infection of the lungs. It can be life threatening. It is estimated that for every 100 children infected with RSV, two will require hospitalization. They may need oxygen, intubation, or assisted breathing.

A child is also at risk of becoming dehydrated if he does not get enough fluids. It is therefore important that he continues to take breast milk or powdered milk, water and other fluids if tolerated.

When do you consult a doctor?

Worsening symptoms usually appear between the third and fifth day after the onset of the disease. Call your doctor if your child has one or more of the following symptoms:

A very high fever that does not go away.

Thick nasal secretions.

Cough that worsens and is accompanied by expectoration of yellow, gray or green secretions.

The baby wets less than one nappy every eight hours, which is a sign of dehydration.

Difficulty breathing or stopping breathing.

Visible lethargy or a marked decrease in the child's activity.

Restless sleep or lack of sleep.

Diagnosis and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus:

Most often, the pediatrician diagnoses RSV infection based on the child's symptoms. This examination will be followed by a detailed physical exploration. If in doubt

In some cases, an oxygen saturation test or chest X-ray may also be needed. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment begins. The goal is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. The following measures are generally used:

Drugs:

If necessary, medications are used to help open the airways. Sometimes antiviral medications are also prescribed.

oxygen:

When a baby has difficulty breathing, supplemental oxygen may be needed to prevent further complications.

Intravenous hydration:

It is used when a child shows signs of dehydration or problems eating or drinking.

Since the infection is severe, the best way to prevent it is to keep the child away from crowds or contact with sick people. Breastfeeding is an excellent antidote against all kinds of infections.

What is bronchiolitis in children?

Bronchitis in children is bacterial sepsis due to a germ that affects different age groups, but in children it can cause inflammation of the bronchi

the reasons:

Children who go to kindergartens and incubators can contract this disease as a result of touching many things that the germ can attach to, causing the infection to be transmitted to the rest of the children or to the child’s siblings.

The role of physical therapy:

Medicines should be avoided at first, and parents should be taught how to clean the nose to avoid germs reaching the bronchi
A mask must be worn when a family member is infected
Avoid kissing children, especially from September until late February
Physiotherapy can be done after the request of the pediatrician.

A child with bronchiolitis coughs frequently. But he is unable to excrete sputum. In the beginning, it is relied on to try to make the secretions easy to get out and be in liquid form.

Then the specialist in physiotherapy intervenes and through therapeutic techniques by hand tries to raise secretions (phlegm) from the last area of the lungs to reach the pharynx and then be excreted. It is a somewhat difficult process for the child, but it remains a natural way better than medicines.

Through the secretions produced by the child, the degree of infection can be identified (the color of sputum is white, yellow, or green), and the appropriate medication can be prescribed in this case.

The most important techniques that are adopted in physiotherapy to treat bronchiolitis in children:

One hand is placed on the abdomen and the other hand on the chest level and massages the area to withdraw secretions from the back of the lungs to deliver them to the pharynx. Then the child was placed on one side while trying to remove the secretions by using physiol and cleaning the nose.

The method of cleaning the nose can be adopted daily by the parents or with the help of a physiotherapist, even without a disease. It is considered one of the daily hygiene rules that can protect the child from reaching the stage of infection by removing the germ from the beginning.

These techniques depend on any age for the child when he has infections at the level of the bronchi.

Classes should not exceed an average of 5 classes per week, and after an average of 2 or 3 classes, the child will be able to sleep, eat and breathe in a good way.

A persistent cough in children and how to distinguish it from a regular cough:

Cough is defined as a natural reaction by the body to get rid of substances and fluids that cause irritation in the respiratory tract, and thus helps to clean the respiratory passages of the individual.

The cough is considered chronic if it continues in the child for a period of more than four weeks without stopping, which requires consulting a doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and the necessary treatment.

Distinctive characteristics of chronic cough from normal cough:

Cough duration:

A persistent cough is a cough that lasts for more than a month without interruption, unlike the normal, temporary cough that appears in certain cases of a cold.

Seasons and times of coughing:

Coughing may appear in children during certain seasons and then stop, which indicates the presence of a specific allergy. Parents can sometimes notice an intensification of coughing in their children, especially at night, which is often caused by asthma.

Types of cough:

There are several types of cough that can be distinguished as a dry cough and a cough that produces phlegm

Symptoms of chronic cough in children:

Children with persistent cough suffer from a number of symptoms that may differ from one child to another according to their causes and types, but they can be reduced to a number of symptoms, as follows:

The presence of sputum accompanies the cough.
Dryness and burning in the throat.
Shortness of breath, sometimes to the point of suffocation.
Bleeding from the throat when coughing.
fever.
Weight loss.

Factors causing persistent cough in children:

Viral infection: An infection that affects children during the first years of their life and causes coughing, runny nose, and sometimes a fever.
Asthma is a common cause of chronic cough in children, especially at night.
Allergy or sinusitis.
Swallowing or inhaling a foreign body.
Congenital defects in the respiratory tract.

Diagnosing a persistent cough:

The diagnosis of a persistent cough varies according to its causes. The doctor first asks some questions to the child’s guardian to distinguish the type of cough and the times of its appearance, so that he can list the causes of the appearance of cough. In case of suspicion of asthma, it is advised to conduct a lung function test for the child.

As for the paranasal sinuses, they are diagnosed based on tomography, which can be relied upon in case of suspicion of congenital defects in the airway. As for the diagnosis of swallowing or inhaling a foreign body, it is done by chest imaging or by tracheoscopy.

Treating a persistent cough:

Based on the results of the diagnosis, the specialist determines the causes of persistent cough and prescribes appropriate treatments according to the patient’s condition:

Asthma treatment:

It is usually done by prescribing air nebulizers to help expand the airways.

Sinus treatment:

The specialist prescribes antibiotics to treat sinus infections as well as decongestants.

Foreign body inhalation treatment:

Surgery is often performed to extract the foreign body if it is proven to be there.

Cough in children:

Coughing is a means of the body's defense when exposed to respiratory problems, so it is better to treat the cause than to suppress the cough.

Caution should be taken with cough-relieving medications. A child cannot take all kinds of these medicines, and the medicine varies according to age and weight.

Some cough suppressants are forbidden to be taken before two years and if the weight is less than 13 kg.

Medicines made with herbs are forbidden to be taken by children because their ingredients are not controlled, their effect on growth is unknown, and their effectiveness is not proven.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

The peculiarity of children is that they can inhale objects (such as toys, food...) that enter the airways and cause coughing to expel these objects. If left behind, these bodies putrefaction and residues. In the event of a bad situation, the treatment is to remove part of the lung!!!

Another peculiarity of children is that they get very sick with allergies that cause coughing. In the event that your son is coughing, it is advised not to send him to schools and kindergartens to avoid infection.

A change in the child's voice with coughing is a danger signal for the child (usually not dangerous for adults).

When should the doctor be examined?

Can not be detected:

If the cough is not accompanied by any of these symptoms:

Fever.
Sore throat.
difficulty breathing.
whistling.
change in voice

If the cough disappears after a few days.

Same day detection:

If there is a fever or sore throat.
If there is wheezing in the chest.
If the cough does not decrease after a few days.

detect immediately:

If there is difficulty in breathing, in swallowing, in breastfeeding.
If the sound of the little one changes (decrease).
If you feel that the little one is a failure or tired.
If the cough is harsh (like a dog barking).
If a foreign object (toy, pill...) is inhaled.

Polyps in the nose and throat in a child:

Nose and throat bumps are common conditions among individuals, and this issue represents an important debate among doctors of various specialties involved in the treatment of this condition, as some doctors believe that these bumps are beneficial to the child’s health, and they are a natural immune system and the first line of defense that protects the child from germs and viruses While other doctors go to consider nevi as the main cause of several diseases in children and they must be removed.

Polyps in the nose:

The nostrils in the nose are behind the nose and begin to grow as the child grows up to reach its maximum size when the child reaches three years of age, and from here its negative effects begin to appear as the nasal vent is blocked, which causes the child to suffer from respiratory disorders always, which appear in the form of snoring during sleep, and nasal secretions can also accumulate Inside it and return to the chest, which leads to the child's infection with catarrh. Nasal meats can result in interruption of breathing at night, and also harm the ears, as the little one feels pain in his ear and a relative lack of hearing. With the passage of time, morphological symptoms appear on the child, such as cartilage distortion, which causes problems in the nose. We can also find that the mouth is always open, which results in crooked teeth and sometimes decay, which makes the harm of the cartilage more than its benefits, so it must be removed.

Tonsils in the larynx:

The tonsils in the larynx, or what is called tonsils, are present when the mouth is opened and can be seen easily. The tonsils can sometimes be small in size, but they get sick quickly, so we find the child suffering from frequent colds accompanied by a high body temperature, a feeling of failure, pain in the joints with the inability to swallow, and the recurrence of the infection is repeated. With these catarrh for more than four times a year because of the tonsils, an issue harmful to the health of the child, so the tonsils are removed in this case. There is also another case in which we find the size of the tonsils large, which closes the duct and makes the child unable to breathe and swallow normally, and in some cases it can even lead to a change in the child’s voice completely, which makes their eradication necessary in this case.

Bronchitis in children:

Bronchitis is common in children who are less than two years old, especially during the fall and spring seasons, due to the rapid and sudden drop in temperature, as well as the large number of gatherings in enclosed spaces, which accelerates the spread of the infection. Therefore, in 2020, a decrease in the percentage of bronchitis infections among children was observed due to the quarantine. Health and physical distancing measures that reduced the spread of infection.

The respiratory system consists of upper airways, namely the nose, pharynx, larynx, and lower airways, which is the bronchus, which is divided into two bronchial tubes, one for transporting air to the right lung and the other for transporting air to the left lung. Blood and air, and in this area specifically, acute inflammation occurs that leads to swelling of the area and the release of secretions that accompany the dead cells that the virus kills. These secretions finally collect and lead to blockage of the bronchi, which makes it difficult for the breathing process and can lead to shortness of breath. The effect of this disease increases on children the younger they are. .

The difference between viruses and bacteria:

There live on the planet billions of bacteria scattered in the air, and they are living organisms that reproduce on their own and consist of one cell and a nucleus. There are beneficial bacteria, such as those in the stomach, which help in the process of digestion. On the other hand, there are harmful bacteria whose treatment is by using antibiotics, unlike the virus, which is a non-living organism that lives inside the cell either Animal, human, or bacteria, and the virus enters the cell to make other viruses that are identical to the original, and sometimes mutations may occur at the level of the virus, which explains the different symptoms of the common cold sometimes from one season to another.

Bronchitis is a viral disease, not a bacterial one, and parents make the mistake of giving antibiotics to infants in this case because excessive use of antibiotics will not cure the virus first and will lead to the development of the period to the formation of resistance against antibiotics, and finally the antibiotic can lead to masking some symptoms, which makes it difficult for The doctor subsequently make a correct diagnosis of the disease.

Factors:

Bronchitis in children occurs through the respiratory cellular virus (RSV) or through some other viruses such as the common cold and rhinovirus. The incidence of this disease is common in children who are not breastfed and exposed to passive smoking. The infection occurs either directly through the entry of the infected person’s droplets into the device. the child's respiratory tract or indirectly by touching virus-carrying tools.

Symptoms:

The incubation period of the virus lasts between two and 8 days, during which the infant is a carrier of the virus without any symptoms appearing, and after two days the symptoms begin to appear, starting with a high temperature in the child and a runny or blocked nose, then later symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing appear, and in some cases signs of distress may develop. Breathing, cyanosis appears in the baby's mouth and hands, and he becomes unable to breastfeed, which are cases that require urgent intervention.

Diagnosis:

As soon as symptoms appear, the child must be taken to a specialist. The diagnosis of bronchiolitis is through a clinical examination. The doctor can quickly notice signs of rapid breathing in the child. We do not need additional tests such as blood tests or x-rays, unless there is a suspicion of a bacterial infection caused by bronchiolitis.

treatment:

When diagnosing bronchiolitis and the degree of development of the disease, the doctor decides the appropriate drug treatment, which can be by aerosol sometimes, and the child can be given other medications. In order to prevent children from contracting bronchiolitis or prevent the transmission of the infection to them, the health protocol must first be adhered to in the event that one of the child’s brothers is sick, while avoiding kissing and touching the child to prevent the transmission of infection. It is also recommended not to leave children in crowded places and not to expose them to passive smoking. Clean surfaces and toys that the child touches to avoid infection.

Bronchiolite disease in children:

Bronchiolite or bronchiolitis in infants is a disease that has increased in frequency over the past few months, and its symptoms are very similar at the beginning to the symptoms of the common cold, as the child shows symptoms of runny nose and nasal obstruction along with a slight rise in body temperature, and these symptoms begin to develop gradually Then the child suffers from shortness of breath.

If the symptoms are minor, the mother should follow some health measures to protect her child from the development of the disease, including feeding the child with liquids such as water and milk. It is desirable that breastfeeding be natural, in addition to not taking the child out of the house and not exposing him to cold air, which will worsen his condition.

Danger signs:

The symptoms at the beginning of the disease may be minor, but there are indications of the development of the disease and require the urgent transfer of the infant to the hospital to receive the necessary medical care. Among these symptoms are:

The color of the lips turned blue due to the decrease in the level of oxygen in the blood.
The inability of the infant to breastfeed.
A very high temperature that cannot be reduced by medication.

As for infants who already suffer from heart or kidney diseases or diseases related to the respiratory system, the symptoms of broncholithiasis may affect them severely. Therefore, since the onset of symptoms, they must be taken to the specialist who will examine him to determine whether they need hospitalization or need care and monitoring them at all times. Just.

treatment:

The infant’s condition may require hospitalization to provide him with medications through veins, or medications can be prescribed for him with an emphasis on home care by the parents, whether by feeding the child with liquids in addition to fruits rich in vitamin C, such as all kinds of citrus fruits and kiwi, which work to enhance the infant’s immunity to resist disease.

It should also be noted that it is necessary to avoid a relapse of the infant, so it must be ensured that the infection is not transmitted to him again, which requires health protocols, such as washing hands, and removing infected individuals from the infant.

Also, whenever the mother approaches the child, she must ensure that the hands are clean so that the infection does not pass to the infant, because the infection is mainly transmitted through touch or contact, so all family members must protect themselves to preserve the safety of the children.

The infant recovers from the symptoms after about a week or ten days, but the cough may accompany him for a longer period, extending from two to four weeks, until the capillaries in the bronchi regenerate.

Swine flu:

Swine flu is a viral infection, and it is a disease of the immune system, which is a common cold, but it is severe in its symptoms, whether for adults or children? It spreads, especially during the winter season, and affects the nose and throat. It can also cause some abdominal problems, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Symptoms:

A strong temperature that reaches forty degrees or more and never goes down
Severe bouts of dry cough
tummy problems
headache
Runny nose

treatment:

Treatment is usually based on antiviral drugs or medications to reduce the severity of symptoms. It is also advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat vegetables and fruits to enhance the body's immunity so that it can resist the disease.

It should be mentioned that the high body temperature in the case of swine flu falls within the category of procedures that the body adopts to resist and get rid of the virus, so if children have exceeded six years, the high body temperature does not pose a threat to them as long as it does not exceed 38 and a half degrees, and medicines are not provided at This category of children is only if the temperature continues to rise and exceeds the specified percentage, while the matter is different for infants and children under the age of six years, because the high temperature may pose a greater danger to them.

new predictive respiratory health tests:

The researchers hope that their results will pave the way not only for new predictive tests for respiratory health, but also help reduce inequalities in health care by developing early interventions aimed at reducing these risk factors.

The study analyzes data from 7,545 participants in Bristol's Children of the 90s study, also known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children or ALSPAC, a world-renowned longitudinal study that follows pregnant women and their children from 1991. The study considered 33 key factors spanning the lifespan from birth to age 24, when lung function is at its peak and is a robust indicator of respiratory health later in life. These 33 factors could impact lung function and included sociodemographic, environmental, lifestyle, and physiological characteristics.

the main factors negatively affecting the lung health of the Child:

“The analysis therefore assessed the underlying relationships between these 33 factors and lung health in adulthood,” says lead author Dr. Osama Mahmoud, professor of data science and statistics in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. from the University of Essex.

Some of the main factors negatively affecting a child's lung health include:

in mothers, a higher BMI during pregnancy,
in mothers, smoking during pregnancy,
in children, low birth weight,
higher fat mass in primary school,
less lean mass than in primary school,
early asthma.

childhood factors:

These data thus reveal that out of 33 key factors, those that weigh most heavily on lung function in young adulthood include weight and certain maternal lifestyle factors during pregnancy and, in children, birth weight. and body composition in elementary school. All are childhood factors.

Early onset asthma also unsurprisingly emerges as a factor affecting lung function later in life, the authors point to the need for more attention to this disease and implementation of primary prevention interventions.