First of all, it would be useful to explain what we, as physicians, mean when we say a child gets sick frequently. When we say 'child who gets sick frequently', we mean children who have more than the number of infections considered normal in childhood or who have serious complications such as brain abscess, chronic ear discharge or inflammation between the lung membranes following a simple upper respiratory tract infection. It is important to distinguish these 'frequently ill children' from healthy children who have common infections. Because our responsibility, especially as a physician, is to reveal the underlying causes of frequent illness, then to determine how we can be protected and, if necessary, to treat appropriately.
Healthy children under the age of five; They may have upper respiratory tract infections 6-9 times a year. This number can go up to 12 in children who go to nursery and are exposed to cigarette smoke. However, when the number of infections is higher or when serious complications such as frequent pneumonia (lung infection), frequent middle ear infections, or inflammation between the lung membranes (empyema) occur following a serious simple upper respiratory tract infection that I have listed above, there is definitely a problem in our child's immune system (immune system). It is necessary to investigate whether there is a disease or not. Therefore, it is important for our children who experience such serious events to consult their physicians first.
In the light of scientific studies, we can say that; Almost half of our children who have frequent infections are healthy children. Approximately one-third (30%) are allergic children, 10 percent are children with anatomical or functional disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux, cystic fibrosis, congenital heart diseases, and foreign bodies in the bronchi, while the remaining 10 percent are children with congenital immune system deficiency. In this case, the complaints and characteristics of the patient that will provide clues about a real immune deficiency should be well known and the diagnosis should be made without delay.
The child frequent infection What suggestions and advice would you give to parents who have children with frequent infections?
My suggestions to parents who have children with frequent infections are under three main headings: I can gather: Nutrition, environmental factors and psychological factors.
It is very important to emphasize breast milk in nutrition. We know that children who are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months and then breastfed with complementary feeding until the age of 1.5-2 get sick less often. In addition, I recommend that our children keep away from ready-made, packaged, processed foods (such as salami, sausage, soudjouk) and sugary foods as much as possible. Instead, I recommend that they consume home-made, seasonal vegetables and fruits. Instead of giving cow's milk for the first 2 years, adding plenty of fermented foods such as yoghurt and kefir to their diet will make their children healthier. Because fermented foods will increase the probiotic rate in our intestines and strengthen our children's immune system. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and have a balanced diet.
As for environmental factors; Crowded and stuffy environments cause diseases to occur more frequently. That's why it is important to frequently ventilate our homes or public environments such as nurseries and schools. In addition, we should not expose our children to cigarette smoke. Because the risk of infection increases significantly in children exposed to cigarette smoke. On the other hand, it is equally important to clean our homes or nurseries or schools with non-allergenic products and to stay away from air fresheners or scented cleaners. Frequently spending time outdoors, in parks, that is, being more involved with nature, has been shown to strengthen our children's immune systems.
As for psychological factors, we know from studies that all kinds of stress weakens our immune system. weakening. Therefore, as parents, observing and supporting the psychological needs of our children will strengthen their defense systems. For this purpose, it is critical to provide an environment of unconditional love and trust that will encourage our children to express their feelings easily and uncensored. In addition, providing play environments that meet their feelings of learning and curiosity and creating decision-making processes in which they can have a say in their own lives will strengthen their immune systems as much as nutrition and environmental factors.
What precautions should be taken to protect ourselves from diseases, especially as we enter the winter season??
We know from studies that infections are actually transmitted mostly through inhaled air and contact. I have already mentioned the frequent ventilation of indoor spaces. Especially when the concentration of dust, soot or pollen in the atmosphere is relatively low, it will be useful to ventilate the rooms with moist fresh air, preferably immediately after it rains. In addition to what I mentioned before, I must add “hand washing”. Because we transmit most infectious agents with our hands. That's why it is possible to be seriously protected from infections just by proper hand washing.
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