Hot weather, more children in the West go to hospital

Children suffering from heat-related illnesses are being treated at Kien Giang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital - Photo: C. CONG

Common illnesses during hot weather

At the outpatient department of Can Tho Children's Hospital, approximately 1,600 to 1,900 patients visit daily. Of these, about 700 cases are related to respiratory infections (accounting for 40-45% of the total number of patients examined), about 200 cases are intestinal infections; the remainder are hand, foot and mouth disease, dengue fever, chickenpox, mumps, etc.

Dr. Truong Cam Trinh, head of the outpatient department at Can Tho Children's Hospital, said that hot weather creates favorable conditions for bacteria, viruses, and disease-carrying insects such as flies and mosquitoes to thrive. Therefore, it increases the risk of respiratory and digestive illnesses. Families should pay attention and proactively prevent illness, especially those sensitive to weather changes, such as the elderly and children.

In Kien Giang, Dr. Danh Ty, deputy director of Kien Giang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, said that from the beginning of 2024 until now, the hospital has received more than 1,000 children for treatment of respiratory infections; more than 300 children with digestive disorders, acute diarrhea, and especially 6 children with meningitis and encephalitis.

According to Doctor Ty, the reason for the high number of children coming for examination and hospitalization may be related to this year's unusually hot weather, polluted living environment, dust and smog, etc.

Over the past few days, hundreds of parents have visited Kien Giang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital with their children for medical examinations. The hospital's pediatric internal medicine department is currently crowded with children being treated for respiratory infections, acute diarrhea, skin diseases, and rashes.

Ms. Tran Thi Tuyet Trinh from Hon Tre (Kien Hai district), whose child is being treated at Kien Giang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, recounted that her child came home from school with symptoms of abdominal pain and vomiting. She immediately took the child to the hospital for examination. Doctors diagnosed a gastrointestinal infection and ordered hospitalization.

How to prevent illness during hot weather?

According to Doctor Truong Cam Trinh, during the hot season, it's important to eat a nutritious diet and drink enough water to help the body build good resistance to disease. Avoid crowded places when epidemics are circulating, and limit exposure to cigarette smoke, pollution, and dust.

Create a clean and well-ventilated environment around your home; limit going outside and outdoor activities during hot weather.

For gastrointestinal illnesses, especially in young children, attention should be paid to how food is prepared and stored during hot weather. During this time, bacteria and viruses easily proliferate, so proper food preservation after preparation is crucial.

"Use clean water for drinking and daily activities, ensure safety rules such as 'eat cooked food, drink boiled water,' avoid eating raw food, food with a foul odor, or food of unknown origin; wash hands during food preparation and eating. Currently, it is a hot time of year, and street food left outdoors easily gets dirty and spoils, so it is necessary to pay close attention to choosing food for children," said Dr. Trinh.

According to Dr. Trinh, in the case of young children with gastrointestinal illnesses, if they are still breastfeeding, they should continue to breastfeed. Both young children and adults should choose easily digestible foods and limit fatty foods when they are sick.

When digestive disorders appear, it is advisable to seek medical attention at a hospital. In particular, parents should not self-medicate their children, especially with antibiotics or anti-diarrheal medications, as these may not only be ineffective but also harmful to the child.

"For young children, it's advisable to proactively ensure they receive all necessary vaccinations according to the local health program, as well as additional vaccinations against common diseases," Dr. Trinh further advised.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/troi-nang-nong-tre-em-mien-tay-vao-vien-nhieu-hon-20240323155448743.htm