New study says city children more at risk of respiratory infections; here’s how to protect them

Researchers discovered that before the age of three, children living in urban areas had an average of 17 respiratory ailments, such as coughs and colds, compared to 15 infections in children living in rural areas.

“Our results suggest that the environment children live in can have an effect on their developing immune system before they are exposed to coughs and colds. We continue to investigate why some otherwise healthy children are more prone to infections than others and what the implications are for later health,” author of the first study Dr Nicklas Brustad, a researcher and physician on the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC) based at Gentofte Hospital and the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, noted.

According to Dr Deepak Sharma, Consultant Pulmonologist, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, some other reasons that contribute to children in cities being more susceptible to respiratory infections are crowded living conditions, increased indoor pollution, stress, and exposure to allergens.

Educate children and parents about the importance of hygiene, healthy habits, and recognizing early signs of respiratory infections. (Photo via Canva)

Why do we need to protect our children? How to do that?

Dr Syed Abdul Aleem, Consultant-Pulmonologist, CARE Hospitals, Musheerabad, Hyderabad, explained that protecting children from respiratory infections is important as they can disrupt a child’s normal activities, and may even lead to chronic respiratory conditions, if not controlled.

Here are five ways to protect children from respiratory infections, according to the experts.

Vaccinations

Ensure children receive timely vaccinations against common respiratory infections like influenza, pneumonia, whooping cough, and others as recommended by healthcare professionals.

Clean indoor environment

Maintain good indoor air quality by reducing exposure to tobacco smoke, using air purifiers, and keeping living spaces clean and well-ventilated.

Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette

Teach children proper handwashing techniques and respiratory etiquette, including covering their mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.

Nutritious diet and regular exercise

Encourage a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nutrients to strengthen the immune system. Promote regular physical activity to maintain overall health.

Health education and regular check-ups

Educate children and parents about the importance of hygiene, healthy habits, and recognising early signs of respiratory infections. Schedule regular medical check-ups to monitor and address any respiratory concerns promptly.

These measures, when implemented together, can significantly reduce the risk of respiratory infections in children, helping them lead healthier lives.

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