how to deal with infection in children

Spring is one of the most unstable seasons for children’s health. Viruses are activated, the weather contributes to the development of infections, immunity is weakened after winter. And during this period, the risk of “meeting” not only the classic companions of the cold season – cough and runny nose, but also more dangerous diseases, such as otitis media and conjunctivitis, increases sharply in children and adolescents.

On the eve of such a “dangerous” season, meetings were held in Moscow with representatives of the Research Institute of Pediatrics and Children’s Health of the Scientific and Clinical Center No. acad. B. V. Petrovsky” with parents of children and teenagers. Experts told how to recognize the symptoms of seasonal diseases in a child and protect him from complications.

According to Professor, Deputy Head of Science at the Research Institute of Pediatrics and Health Protection Elena Vishneva, quite often in the spring, children experience otitis media – inflammatory processes that occur in the ear. Most often, a pediatrician can choose the treatment of the disease, however, if otitis media becomes chronic, that is, it lasts more than six months or occurs more than four times a year, you should contact an otolaryngologist.

– The best method of treating otitis is combined drops, they contain two active ingredients – a glucocorticosteroid and a broad-spectrum antibiotic. The effect of the treatment in this case comes quickly enough – already in the first days the pain disappears and the swelling decreases, – says Elena Vishneva. – To speed up the healing process, it is also recommended to pay special attention to the hygiene of the ear canal – to clean it from sulfur, pus and crusts.

Another “sore” that is activated in the spring is conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye.

– If a child has a runny nose, “red eyes”, discharge from the eyes, and all this against the background of SARS, most often this indicates conjunctivitis, – explains children’s ophthalmologist Alla Egorova. – If the discharge is very abundant, and the redness of the eye does not appear too much, this is most likely bacterial conjunctivitis. If there is practically no discharge, but the eye is very “red”, then most likely it is viral conjunctivitis.

In both cases, doctors recommend the use of combination therapy, that is, the use of glucocorticosteroids along with an antibiotic. But with allergic conjunctivitis, from which children and adults can suffer in the spring, when the snow begins to melt and foliage appears, it is better to use antihistamines.

Treatment of spring diseases is, of course, a reason to see a doctor. But do not forget about the prevention of such diseases. What should be done to keep children healthy?

• Follow the rules of personal hygiene – regularly wash your hands with soap after visiting public places and contact with animals, do not touch your face with dirty hands and avoid contact with sick people.
• Strengthen immunity – eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and walk in the fresh air every day.
• Do not self-medicate and consult a doctor in a timely manner if you have symptoms of infectious diseases.
• If you are prone to allergies – wash your face after walking outside and change clothes – this will help get rid of traces of allergens.

Mona Platonov.

Photo by Moskovskaya Pravda