EN: Respiratory Infections in Young Children: What Expat and Local Families Need to Know

Introduction: Understanding Respiratory Infections in Children

Respiratory infections are the most common reason young children visit the doctor. After a warm, sunny summer, cooler weather, rain, and the return of children to daycare and school bring a wave of viruses. Soon, waiting rooms in pediatric clinics are filled with children coughing, feverish, and battling runny noses.

For small children, especially those aged 9-18 months, frequent viral infections are common. This is because their immune systems are still developing and are only building resistance by encountering these viruses. Children attending daycare can experience up to two different viral infections each month during the first few months. It’s normal for a child to have 6-7 infections in a year, while children cared for at home may experience slightly fewer.

The Impact of Illnesses on Parents

While caring for a sick child is naturally distressing for parents, it also poses financial burdens. Parents face additional time off from work, medical bills, and healthcare costs. Understanding why young children get sick so often, how to prevent infections, and when to take a child to the doctor is crucial knowledge for all parents, both expat and local.

Preventing Respiratory Infections in Children

Research has shown that parental smoking is a risk factor for respiratory infections in children. Therefore, it is essential for both parents to quit smoking, especially during pregnancy. Breastfeeding provides vital antibodies to the baby, helping to fight off viruses before the child's immune system begins to develop on its own.

Many severe infections have nearly disappeared worldwide thanks to vaccines. Routine childhood vaccines are essential for all children, and seasonal respiratory vaccines are recommended for children with higher risks, such as those with chronic conditions like asthma, heart defects, or diabetes.

Treating Respiratory Infections at Home

Typically, respiratory infections in children begin with a fever and a runny nose, followed by coughing. The best fever treatment for children is paracetamol, which can be given as a liquid or suppository. The dose is 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours. If paracetamol is not sufficient, ibuprofen can be added at 20-40 mg/kg, three to four times a day.

It’s important to dress the child in light clothing and avoid thick blankets; a simple sheet is enough. For nasal congestion, saline solution works well. Babies, who cannot blow their noses, benefit greatly from saline drops or sprays.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Respiratory infections can be treated at home for up to three days. However, if the fever persists for more than five days, or if the child has trouble breathing or experiences pain, it is advisable to see a doctor sooner. Due to the smaller airways in young children, respiratory tubes can constrict easily, making breathing difficult. In some cases, medication or even hospitalization may be required. One common complication of respiratory infections is an ear infection, which necessitates a doctor’s examination and treatment.

Since respiratory infections are viral, they do not require antibiotics. However, complications such as ear infections and pneumonia may require antibiotic treatment.

Recurrent Infections and Parental Concerns

Sometimes, it may feel like a child is coughing for months on end. This is often due to repeated respiratory infections. As one cold begins to improve, another one may hit, keeping the child in a cycle of illness.

Conclusion: Supporting Your Child’s Health

For both expat and local families, understanding respiratory infections in children and how to manage them is essential for supporting your child’s health. By knowing when to treat symptoms at home and when to seek medical help, parents can better navigate these common childhood illnesses.