Inflammation of the nose, sinuses, pharynx and larynx is called upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). In winter, it is seen as flu, flu, cold, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and otitis media.
URTIis generally a self-limiting disease. Contrary to popular belief, it is not caused by staying in the cold or catching a cold.
What Causes Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection is an infection that develops in the throat and nose. The causative agent is mostly viruses. It has been determined that approximately 70-80% of the disease is caused by very small microbes, which we call viruses. In the remaining 20%, the causative agent was found to be bacteria.
Reasons for Frequent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Winter Months
- In closed places (school, (nursery, workplace, etc.) staying for a long time,
- Cold weather reduces body resistance,
- Poor ventilation of closed places,
- Active or passive smoking,
- Inadequate and unbalanced nutrition
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection may occur 3-8 times in childhood. Its incidence decreases after the age of 6-7.
URTI symptoms in children;
- Nasal congestion and runny in cold,
- Complaints such as sneezing,
- Crickling and burning in the throat,
- Cough and headache occur.
URTI is different from the flu. . Flu mostly causes headache, fever and body malaise. There may be pain in the waist and legs due to muscle stiffness.
How is the Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Babies?
There is no known definitive treatment, the following methods can be applied and precautions can be taken. ;
- It is necessary to clean the inside of the baby's nose, and if it is hard, physiological saline should be dropped and softened. ,
- Increasing the humidity in the ambient air is beneficial. This prevents nasal congestion and allows the baby to breathe more easily.
- Place your baby face down rather than on his back. Put the baby to sleep and keep the baby's head in the air by placing a pillow under his head to help him breathe more easily.
- Cough medicines should only be used for dry coughs that cause sleep disruption.
Cough suppressants should never be used without a doctor's prescription, especially if they are younger than 2 years old. Antibiotics should not be used unless another microbial situation occurs. Because it does not help with colds.
What Should You Pay Attention to in Your Baby's Nutrition?
- Giving a lot of liquid foods is beneficial as it will replace the fluid lost due to fever and runny nose. ,
- The baby should take enough foods with vitamin C.
- Upper respiratory tract infection can sometimes cause ear infections and bronchitis. If your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever above 38 degrees; If the fever suddenly occurs and lasts for more than 2 days, if the dry cough continues for more than 2 days, if your baby cannot feed or sleep, if he/she has difficulty breathing and cries excessively by pulling on his/her ears, you need to take your baby to the doctor immediately.
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