China News Service, Shanghai, March 11 (Reporter Chen Jing) As winter and spring turn, the number of children with respiratory infectious diseases increases.
Symptoms such as colds, fevers, and continuous sneezing in children make parents anxious.
Why are children more susceptible to respiratory diseases at the turn of winter and spring?
Professor Zeng Mei, deputy director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University, said in an interview on the 11th: "In the winter and spring seasons, various allergens in the environment increase; in spring, the wind speed is relatively high and the temperature changes greatly, which is conducive to the spread of pathogens. Transmission. At the same time, a child’s immunity will basically not reach the adult level until after the age of 12. Before that, the child’s immune system has not yet been fully developed. Compared with adults, the child’s respiratory immunity is lower and they are more susceptible to respiratory infections. disease."
It is reported that several respiratory infections that are prevalent in spring include influenza A, influenza B, mycoplasma pneumonia and the common cold, with similar but different symptoms.
Professor Zeng Mei explained: "Usually, most people will have a significant high fever when they are infected with the influenza virus, and children may feel muscle aches all over the body, and influenza is more contagious. Compared with influenza, common colds generally do not cause High fever, but symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and coughing will occur; while patients with mycoplasma pneumonia usually show a more obvious cough but less symptoms of sore throat and body aches."
“Don’t blindly use antibacterial or antiviral drugs when your child has just developed a fever or cough.” Professor Zeng Mei reminded, “Many patients overuse antiviral drugs. If it is not a viral infection, taking antiviral drugs is not only It is ineffective. Overuse will also cause the body to gradually develop drug resistance, resulting in the possibility of not being able to find suitable drug treatment when infected again." She emphasized that patients must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor and undergo etiological testing before combining the specific pathogens. Prescribe the right medicine and rationally use antibiotics and antiviral drugs.
The expert bluntly stated that the misuse of antibiotics or antiviral drugs will have a negative impact on the body's immune system, and the immune system will play a vital role in the entire process from illness to recovery.
Is there any way to help children improve their respiratory immunity? This is a matter of concern to the public, especially parents.
Professor Zeng Mei said that vaccines can play a big role in preventing infectious diseases.
In addition, immune modulators are also an effective means to help "train immunity."
"Taking immunomodulators can stimulate our innate immunity; when we encounter different types of pathogens in the future, the immune memory generated can better mobilize the immune system to enter an emergency state," she said.
"The human body's immune system consists of innate immunity and adaptive immunity." Professor Zeng Mei explained, "Innate immunity is the body's first line of immune defense, which is innate to each of us. For example, healthy skin and Respiratory mucosal tissue can keep pathogens out of the body, and normal secretions of the respiratory tract also contain immune substances that resist pathogenic bacteria. In adaptive immunity, the body's T immune cells and B immune cells mainly play a role. These cells After exposure to stimuli such as pathogens, immune substances such as antibodies are produced to help us resist infection."
Zeng Mei told reporters that clinically, doctors often recommend that children who are susceptible to respiratory diseases, allergies or have low immunity should use immunomodulators for about three months according to the doctor's recommendations before the season of high incidence of respiratory infectious diseases. Improve their respiratory immunity and reduce the risk of infection.
In this way, after immune cells are trained and regulated, they can more calmly respond to the invasion of various pathogens.
At the same time, moderate physical exercise, a nutritious and balanced diet, good sleeping habits and a regular daily routine are the keys to helping children improve their physical fitness.
"For example, appropriate intake of foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and other nutrients in the diet is also an important way to improve immunity." Professor Zeng Mei added.
In the interview, Zeng Mei said bluntly: "Children with allergies, especially those with asthma, can easily trigger asthma once a respiratory infection occurs. Especially in spring, floating catkins and other things may expose children to allergens. Increase. Therefore, every spring is the peak period for acute attacks in children with asthma." Professor Zeng Mei suggested, "Children who already have asthma should receive standardized preventive measures according to the recommendations of relevant global guidelines. Ensure long-term standardized Hormone aerosol treatment is a crucial part.” (End)