What is an upper respiratory tract infection?
They are infections caused by viruses or bacteria, seen in the nose, throat or ear canals, usually in autumn and winter. Children may experience URI 5-6 times a year. This number increases even more for children who go to kindergarten. The frequency of URTI in children older than 7 years is becoming increasingly rare.
What are the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections?
The first symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections begin a few days after the child acquires the virus. . The findings last for up to 1 week. In some children, the infection period may last up to 2 weeks. In babies and infants, nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, restlessness, cough and sometimes vomiting with phlegm may occur. In older children, itching in the throat, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, weakness, postnasal drip, and cough may occur.
Which drugs are used in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections?
Antibiotics have no place in the treatment of viral upper respiratory tract infections. Some treatments used can reduce the symptoms and help the child relax. But these supportive treatments do not shorten the duration of the infection. If your doctor suspects a bacterial infection in a child with an upper respiratory tract infection, he or she can make the diagnosis through history, examination, throat culture and some blood tests. Following this, antibiotic treatment can be started. The important point is, if antibiotic treatment has been started, to continue the treatment at a dose and duration appropriate to the child's weight, as determined by your doctor.
What can be done in supportive treatments for upper respiratory tract infections?
The most important thing is to increase children's fluid intake. If there is fever and restlessness, antipyretic and analgesic syrups can be given for the period recommended by your doctor and by calculating the dose according to your child's weight. The nose can be cleaned frequently with saline-containing nose drops or sprays, popularly known as "sea water". Aspirin should not be used as an antipyretic in children as it may cause side effects. Children with upper respiratory tract infections should rest at home and avoid crowded places, especially They should be kept away from exposure to smoking in the environment where they live.
What should be done to protect from upper respiratory tract infections?
First of all, children should not be near people with upper respiratory tract infections. In addition, importance should be given to hand cleaning to prevent contamination. In winter and autumn, closed areas such as shopping malls are generally preferred to spend time with children on weekends. It is important that the playgrounds and toys where many children gather together are cleaned regularly and appropriately. Other things to consider are healthy nutrition and good sleep patterns to strengthen children's immunity.
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