10 effective measures against upper respiratory tract infections
With the cooling of the weather in autumn, the increase in the time spent indoors and the opening of schools, especially colds, flu, pharyngitis and tonsil infections have become common.
Acıbadem Fulya Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Diseases Specialist Dr. Esin Özlem Atmis
“We have been encountering upper respiratory tract infections frequently in recent days. Colds, flu and throat infections are increasing gradually due to cold weather, traveling without a mask in public transport and school buses, increasing time spent in closed environments and cooling of sweat after running and sweating during recess. Classrooms that are not properly and adequately ventilated also lead to easy transmission of microbes.” ENT Specialist Dr. Esin Özlem Atmış talked about the most common diseases in children with autumn and 10 effective measures to be taken, and made important warnings and suggestions.
Beware of throat infections!
Throat infections, which are common in children recently, are caused by 90% viruses, and 10% by a bacterium from group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, also known as beta microbes among the public. Acıbadem Fulya Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Diseases Specialist Dr. Esin Özlem Atmış states that throat infections, which can cause high fever, sore throat and fatigue, can be diagnosed with a simple swab test and says: Throat infection, which can be easily treated with antibiotic treatment, can lead to chronic problems such as heart rheumatism, kidney inflammation, and joint inflammation if it is overlooked and not treated correctly.
Middle ear infection can progress insidiously!
Stating that middle ear infection, which is common in children especially in the autumn and winter months, can start with findings related to the ear directly, or may occur as a result of the transfer of bacteria and viruses to the middle ear via the Eustachian canal after throat infection or upper respiratory tract infections. Esin Özlem Atmış says, “Ear infections can cause severe pain, and the disease can progress insidiously and be followed by fluid accumulation in the middle ear, which can cause hearing loss.” Saying that otitis media is more common in children with large adenoids, Dr. Esin Özlem Atmış states that middle ear infection once or twice a year can be considered normal, but if it is seen more often, it should be investigated in terms of adenoid.
Cold, flu and allergies can be mixed together!
Stating that allergic complaints occur in autumn with symptoms such as transparent runny nose, nasal congestion, watering and redness in the eyes, frequent sneezing, weakness and fatigue may accompany it. Esin Özlem Atmış draws attention to the fact that triggers may occur in patients with food allergies, respiratory allergies or asthma, especially with the start of the school term. Stating that allergies can often be confused with common diseases such as colds and flu in school-age children this season, Dr. Esin Özlem Atmış talks: “From cold; It is a common cold that develops due to viral infections with symptoms such as clear nasal discharge, mild fever and cough due to simple colds. It is the most common school age infection and usually resolves with simple measures. Influenza, on the other hand, is a more severe upper respiratory tract infection that causes high fever, widespread muscle aches, nasal congestion, and marked weakness caused by the influenza virus. Influenza usually requires treatment support. When allergic complaints are sometimes not treated as colds and flu, and if precautions are not taken, these patients can be considered in the risk group because the immune system will weaken and the tendency to diseases will increase in allergy patients.