What is a respiratory infection and why do they increase in winter?
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Loading... - Kelly Jones
- 25 Aug 2022
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August has been one of the coldest and wettest months in the capital. Given this climate, Essalud warned the population about the 200% increase in Acute Respiratory Infections in children and warned that parents should be attentive to the warning signs of this infection that occurs with a greater proportion in the season of the winter.
“It is important that parents know how to recognize any sign of respiratory distress in time, especially in children at risk and in this season of wet and cold weather. If necessary, they should go to the emergency service to avoid further complications,” says Dr. Carlos José Mendoza Fox, a pediatric pulmonologist at the Ricardo Palma Clinic .
What is a respiratory infection and why do they increase in winter?
According to the pulmonologist, a respiratory infection is the compromise of any part of the airway caused by an infectious agent, usually a virus and/or bacteria.
“Respiratory infections increase significantly because low temperature and humidity make it easier for infectious agents to survive longer in the environment. On the other hand, the increase in cold makes people close doors and windows, decreasing ventilation and thus facilitating the transmission of microorganisms by air ", he explains.
Type of respiratory infections in children
The most common respiratory infections in children are:
· Nasopharyngitis
· Tonsillitis
· Otitis
· laryngotracheitis
· Bronchitis
· Pneumonia
