The part of the respiratory tract from the mouth and nose to the trachea is considered the upper respiratory tract. Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Mesut Arslan gave information about the subject.
COLD (Acute Nasopharyngitis, Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI)
The majority of upper respiratory tract infections These are viral infections. The most common acute viral infection is the common cold. Many viruses, especially rhinoviruses, cause colds.
Children experience URI 6-8 times a year. The age group where it is most common is 3 months to 3 months. The frequency of infection is higher in crowded living conditions. Rhinoviruses, which are the leading cause of colds, are more common in infants and children, and the main carriers of the virus are primary school children. Colds mostly cause epidemics in early autumn and late spring. The disease is transmitted directly through infected secretions. It is transmitted through contact or inhalation. Items contaminated with viruses play a role in its spread, its contagiousness is highest especially in the first three days of infection.
Clinical: Generally, the first symptom is a sore and itchy throat. Especially nasal symptoms are at the forefront. 75% of patients have unilateral or bilateral nasal discharge and abundant thin transparent discharge from the nose. While nasal discharge is initially clear, it may later become mucoid or dark. The sense of smell decreases. Cough begins after nasal symptoms and is present in 30% of cases. Eye redness, watery eyes, headache, feeling of heaviness in the head, mild fever, muscle pain may occur.
Treatment: There is no specific treatment for the disease, treatment is applied according to the symptoms (symptomatic). Antipyretics for fever provide relief. Isotonic saline drops are useful for relieving nasal congestion in infants. Some medicated pediatric nasal drops can be given to patients over six months of age. Antibiotics have no place in treatment; unnecessary use of antibiotics paves the way for infections with resistant bacteria that are difficult to treat. In fact, educating families not to use antibiotics for colds is the most important part of the treatment.
How do we protect ourselves? The disease spreads rapidly in closed and crowded places. Therefore, being outdoors and in well-ventilated places reduces the risk of infection. Since viruses can survive in places contaminated with germs (such as doorknobs, phones), we should frequently wash our hands with soap and water after contact with these surfaces. Additionally, resting and avoiding stress also helps regain body resistance
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