Stating that when autumn and winter diseases are mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is the diseases that occur or increase in frequency due to climatic, social and physical changes in winter, Medicana Bahçelievler Hospital Pediatrics Specialist Dr. Instructor Member Hüseyin Avni Solgun, “The majority of diseases in autumn and winter months are infections, that is, microbial diseases. Especially in winter, as a result of the cold weather, the increase in air pollution, living in crowded and cramped environments, and the constant contagion of the common cold, which especially children are exposed to. said
Dr. Lecturer Solgun emphasized that children who do not eat well are the ones most affected by winter diseases and warned
More physical stress due to cold weather, drying of the mucous tissues lining the inside of the nose and mouth, failure of protective mechanisms, decreased activity, and a tendency towards heavier and unhealthy foods are some of the factors that reduce body resistance in autumn and winter months. often flu, cold, otitis media, tonsil infection and upper respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis and more rarely; bronchitis and bronchitis are lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia. In addition, there is an increase in gastroenteritis (diarrhea) during the winter months.
If the treatment of children with winter diseases is not done in the early period, serious problems may occur. Failure to treat infections in children in the early period or trying to overcome them with randomly taken antibiotics can cause diseases such as rheumatic fever or middle ear infection that affect the heart muscle and kidneys.
Otitis media and sinusitis are more common
The common cold is mild with upper respiratory tract signs and symptoms caused by various viruses. It is the most common disease in the world. About 200 viruses cause the common cold. Although it can be seen in all seasons, it most often occurs in winter. The most important risk factor playing a role in this is living in crowded environments. Young children attending kindergartens and schools are particularly at risk. After 24 – 72 hours after encountering viruses, sore throat, dryness and itching in the throat, a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, cough and weakness occur rapidly.
Initially, the runny nose is like water, but it gradually thickens. Nasal speech is available. It is most contagious during this period. Fever may be high, especially in newborns and children. Eye tearing, burning, pressure in the ears, change in taste are other symptoms. The average duration of the disease is about a week. The most common complications are otitis media and sinusitis. There may be an increase in pneumonia and asthma attacks in children. It is absolutely necessary to consult a doctor in cases of cough that produces continuous and very thick sputum, pain when breathing, constant earache, swollen large lymph nodes, difficulty in swallowing, fever exceeding 39 C.
Pain occurs in the eyes
Influenza is the last disease that affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts and affects the whole body, caused by a virus called influenza. It is a highly contagious infection. The disease can be transmitted easily, especially in places such as home, school, nursery, workplace, public transport. If the person’s resistance at the time of encountering the virus is strong, they can pass the disease with a mild fever and dry cough, but these people who do not break away from their work and social environment also play an important role in contagiousness. Pain during eye movements is a typical symptom. Complaints such as tearing in the eyes, burning, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat are seen after a 2-4 day febrile period.
In addition to bed rest, treatments to alleviate symptoms, painkillers and fever reducers, drugs that reduce the runny nose, and antivirus drugs, if taken within 24-48 hours, provide easy relief from the flu. Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the part of the throat called the pharynx. The pharynx is the posterior part of the nasal and oral cavity. Pharyngitis is divided into two. If pharyngitis is newly formed and shows severe symptoms and causes complaints, it is called acute pharyngitis. However, if it causes complaints that exist for a long time and are not very severe in the patient, it is called chronic pharyngitis. Antibiotics are not necessary when acute pharyngitis is thought to be caused by viruses. However, when bacteria are added to the inflammation caused by viruses, antibiotics are given. Pain relievers and antipyretics, antihistamines in patients with suspected allergies, nasal sprays, cough suppressants and mouthwashes for older children can be used.
Really interesting post!