Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. M. Hande Tanal stated that sudden weather changes during seasonal transitions also cause diseases to spread easily.
"Sudden temperature changes, rapid cooling of the weather and not dressing appropriately, the amount of bacteria, dust and pollen in classrooms, playgrounds and other similar environments where children are located, close contact with sick people and stuffy environments cause them to get sick more often. For this reason, children are at greater risk than adults during seasonal transitions. Especially children of school age and those who stay indoors for at least 5 hours 5 days a week are more affected by diseases," Tanal said.
UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT DISEASES ARE INCREASING
Stating that upper respiratory tract infections are most common in the autumn season, Tanal said, "It occurs because children frequently have flu and cold and are exposed to infectious agents in airless environments. In addition, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis and middle ear infections occur. Symptoms of upper respiratory tract diseases in children are mostly complaints such as fever, sore throat, cough, sneezing, hoarseness, earache and postnasal drip. In order to be protected, it is necessary to pay attention to hand hygiene, eat healthy and regularly, consume vegetables and fruits especially containing vitamin C, avoid closed and crowded places as much as possible, and not lose sleep."
"BEWARE OF EAR INFECTION!"
Emphasizing that sudden weather changes during seasonal transitions also cause diseases to spread easily, Tanal said that one of the diseases frequently seen with seasonal transitions is ear infection.
"Since the Eustachian tube between the ear and throat is shorter in children, throat infection may progress to the ear. The ear is an important infection due to its close proximity to the brain and the risk of hearing loss if left untreated. Humidifying the room, keeping the nose open with saline solution when necessary, and examining the ears in case of throat infection will reduce possible complications, which should not be neglected. It is also important to separately examine the adenoids, allergies and immune systems in children who have otitis media more than 5 times throughout the year," Tanal added.
Emphasizing that good and regular sleep strengthens the immune system, Tanal said, "Care should be taken to have a healthy and balanced diet. Fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits should be consumed, and foods with high vitamins and nutrients should be preferred. Iron level in the blood should be checked and supplemented if necessary. Foods rich in iron should be consumed in a balanced manner along with other foods."