Respiratory diseases in children are increasing rapidly.

If respiratory infections in children are not detected early and treated promptly, they can become severe and leave dangerous complications, especially in children under 5 years old.

Currently, more than half of the patients treated at the Pediatrics Department of Hai Duong General Hospital suffer from respiratory illnesses.

Many children have respiratory infections.

About a week ago, Pham Dang Khoa (born in 2023) from Hai Duong ward visited Hai Duong General Hospital with symptoms such as frequent coughing, fever, runny nose, and diarrhea. The doctor concluded that he had pneumonia caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). After two days of treatment in the Pediatric Department, Khoa's health improved significantly.

According to Dr. Le Hai Van, Head of the Pediatrics Department at Hai Duong General Hospital, the number of children seeking examination and treatment at the hospital has increased over the past month. The number of inpatients in the department remains high, averaging around 50 patients per day. Currently, more than half of respiratory illnesses in children are related to viral infections, with a wide variety of strains. During this outbreak, Adenovirus and RSV are the most common types of viruses affecting children.

At Hai Phong Children's Hospital, the number of children seeking treatment and being hospitalized due to respiratory infections is on the rise. Each day, the hospital receives and treats approximately 300 outpatients and over 500 inpatients, an increase of about 10% compared to previous days. Doctors report that the majority of patients suffer from respiratory illnesses, with many children infected with Adenovirus and RSV.

Ngoc Diep, an 11-month-old child from Gia Vien ward, was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of severe coughing, wheezing, and chest retraction. Diagnosis revealed severe pneumonia, otitis media, and a positive test for the Adenovirus.

According to health experts, the adenovirus is a highly contagious pathogen that can easily cause severe complications in young children, especially those with weak immune systems or underlying health conditions. Although this virus was discovered many years ago, it is currently showing signs of spreading rapidly among young children. According to statistics from the International Treatment Unit at Hai Phong Children's Hospital, at one point recently, up to one-third of the pediatric patients with respiratory illnesses being treated in the unit tested positive for the adenovirus.

The number of children seeking medical attention and being hospitalized due to respiratory infections at Hai Phong Pediatric Hospital has also been on the rise recently.

Proactive disease prevention from an early age.

The increase in respiratory infections among children is due to the changing seasons, fluctuating temperatures, and the fact that children are attending school in large groups, leading to rapid spread of the disease. Young children have underdeveloped immune systems, making them susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. Importantly, respiratory infections in children not only cause breathing difficulties but can also lead to complications such as severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, middle ear infections, and nutritional problems. Therefore, early detection and timely medical attention are crucial in reducing the rate of dangerous complications in children.

According to Dr. Hoang Ngoc Anh, Head of the Respiratory Department at Hai Phong Children's Hospital, when children are infected with respiratory viruses, a classic syndrome described in medical literature as upper respiratory tract inflammation often appears. This syndrome includes: coughing, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, etc. Children usually have a fever, the level of which depends on the body's immune response, ranging from mild, moderate, to high.

When children develop upper respiratory tract infections, it's a sign of acute respiratory infection. Dr. Hoang Ngoc Anh advises, however, that not all children need to be taken to a medical facility immediately, as not all cases become severe. Children with underlying medical conditions, weakened immune systems, or recurrent infections (such as lung, kidney, or digestive infections) are at higher risk of serious illness and should receive special attention. For healthy children, monitoring at home is recommended, along with close contact with the medical facility for advice and guidance on when to seek medical attention. For example, a high fever is a sign suggesting the need for prompt medical intervention.

Furthermore, according to Specialist Doctor Le Hai Van, disease prevention at home also plays a crucial role. Parents should pay attention to maintaining personal hygiene for their children, washing hands frequently, cleaning the nose and throat; and limiting children's exposure to crowded places. They should also ensure adequate nutrition, increasing the intake of foods rich in vitamins and minerals to boost immunity.

Parents should avoid self-medicating without a doctor's prescription, as this can worsen the illness or cause side effects. When children show signs of illness, they should stay home from school and inform their teachers to limit contact with other children. Preventive measures not only protect children's health but also limit outbreaks in the community.

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Respiratory infections are infections or inflammations in parts of the respiratory system, including the upper (nose, throat, larynx) and lower (trachea, bronchi, lungs) airways. Common symptoms include cough, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, fever, fatigue, and possibly abnormal mucus discharge. These infections are usually caused by viruses or bacteria and can be treated with rest, plenty of fluids, and medication as prescribed by a doctor, depending on the severity of the illness.

NGOC THANH

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/benh-ho-hap-o-tre-tang-nhanh-525447.html