As the weather gets colder and the time spent in indoor areas such as schools, cinemas and shopping malls increases, the possibility of transmission of upper respiratory tract infections increases. Stating that upper respiratory tract infections in children may increase with the effect of seasonal characteristics, experts remind that these diseases are contagious and draw attention to the need to take some precautions.
NPISTANBUL Hospital ENT Specialist Prof. Dr. Murat Topak evaluated the upper respiratory tract and ENT infections that increase during seasonal transitions and drew attention to the precautions to be taken.
Noting that upper respiratory tract infections, mostly viral, are common during this period, Prof. Dr. Murat Topak said, "Due to the cooling of the weather, the time spent in crowded and closed areas increases. Areas such as schools, shopping malls, cinemas and theaters draw attention as areas where upper respiratory tract infections will spread. This period is a period when upper respiratory tract infections increase due to seasonal characteristics. Most of them spread virally. In connection with this, there is also an increase in otitis media."
Stating that the cause of upper respiratory tract infections in children is mostly cold viruses, Topak said, "Bacteria are more likely to cause middle ear infections that may develop during this process."
Hearing loss, not pain, may be the cause of ear colds
Referring to the complaints that occur as runny nose, nasal congestion and mild sore throat, Prof. Dr. Murat Topak said, "These complaints include runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, mild sore throat, cough and mild fever. In otitis media, ear pain, hearing loss and fever are at the forefront. However, in middle ear infections known as catarrh of the ear, there is usually no pain and there is hearing loss. As a treatment, antibiotics are not useful in viral infections, antipyretics are used for fever, nasal sprays containing saline are useful for runny nose and congestion, and you should also drink enough water and rest. Antibiotics are initially used in the treatment of middle ear infections."
Avoid close contact with sick people
Pointing out that diseases caused by upper respiratory tract infections are contagious, Prof. Dr. Murat Topak said that these diseases are contagious and are usually transmitted in three ways:
1- Direct hand contact with the sick person or hand contact with the items used by the sick person
2- Inhalation of small droplets that enter the air with the patient's sneeze or cough
3- Establishing close contact with the patient, such as kissing.
Prof. Dr. Murat Topak listed his recommendations as follows:
"In order for those who are sick not to transmit the disease to those around them, it is useful for them to clean their nasal discharge with a suitable handkerchief and throw it into closed garbage cans, sneeze and cough towards the inner side of any arm, not towards their hands when sneezing and coughing, and not to have close contact with their friends. Those who are not sick should avoid close contact with friends who have colds, wash their hands frequently with soap until they count to 20, and avoid using other people's personal belongings such as glasses, plates and towels. They should also pay attention to their nutrition and sleep. Frequent ventilation of the classroom in crowded classes will be useful in preventing contamination."
