Mask Mandate Lifted... Time to Take Care of Our Children's Health

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] Since the indoor mask mandate was lifted on January 30, special attention is needed for children's respiratory diseases.

According to the National Health Insurance Service's frequent disease statistics, in 2020, the number of patients treated for acute bronchitis was 1,445,095 for children under 5 years old, 1,341,805 for ages 5?9, 687,334 for ages 10?14, and 520,510 for ages 15?19, ranking first in all pediatric and adolescent age groups.

Acute bronchitis is a disease caused by acute inflammation of the bronchi due to viruses, bacteria, or toxic substances.

The bronchi are organs that make up the respiratory system in our body, branching from the trachea to both lungs and referring to the tubes leading to the entrance of the lungs. The bronchi serve as the passageway that sends the air we breathe to the lungs.

In children, 50?75% of acute bronchitis cases are caused by viral infections, and it is known to be the leading cause in infants under 2 years old.

Coughing is a representative symptom of acute bronchitis. Once it occurs, it is accompanied by severe coughing, rapid breathing, and wheezing. Sometimes, the cough is so severe that pneumonia is suspected, leading to hospitalization.

In children, coughing can prevent proper nutrition intake, leading to dehydration or serious nutritional imbalance.

In the early stages, symptoms resemble a common cold, so many either buy general cold medicine at pharmacies or leave it untreated, which can worsen symptoms and cause complications, prompting hospital visits.

If symptoms worsen, breathing becomes more rapid and heart rate increases sharply. In viral acute bronchitis cases, severe coughing can even cause vomiting.

Acute bronchitis image. [Image source=Clipart Korea]

Antibiotics are not prescribed for acute bronchitis in children. If fever accompanies the illness, antipyretics are given, and if the child has a poor appetite and eats poorly due to coughing, nutritional imbalance can further weaken immunity and cause dehydration, so nutrition is supplied via injection.

Inhalation therapy using a nebulizer can help relieve symptoms. The medication is inhaled through a mask into the nose and mouth, allowing fine particles to reach the bronchioles directly, making it effective.

During treatment, phlegm may be produced; in such cases, it is good to pat the back to help expel the phlegm and ensure adequate fluid intake.

Maintaining appropriate indoor temperature and humidity also aids treatment. In severe cases, medications such as nasal sprays, bronchodilators, and cough syrups are prescribed. Above all, it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis and prescription from a specialist.

Dr. Song Ik-jin, pediatrician at Daedong Hospital, said, “If acute bronchitis occurring in early childhood is not properly treated initially, it can progress to bronchiolitis and, in severe cases, complications such as pneumonia may develop, so early medical consultation is recommended.”

He added, “If a child initially shows cold symptoms but suddenly develops a high fever, severe fussiness, coughing, and a respiratory rate exceeding 60 breaths per minute, they should be taken to the hospital promptly.”

He also emphasized, “To treat acute bronchitis and prevent complications, it is essential to keep the child’s living environment clean and comfortable. Especially if parents smoke or the environment is excessively dry, symptoms can worsen, so special care is needed.”

To prevent acute bronchitis, it is most important to treat children promptly when they show cold symptoms. Infants and young children with weak immunity should avoid crowded places.

Additionally, maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity, adequate hydration, hand hygiene, oral hygiene, sufficient sleep, balanced diet, vaccinations, and avoiding contact with people with respiratory illnesses are also helpful.