Unnecessary antibiotics should not be given to children in case of a cold

Stating that the rate of colds is higher in children in winter, Medical Park Tarsus Hospital Pediatrics Specialist Dr. Seyithan Yalınkılıç warned.

Stating that upper respiratory tract infections, which are very common in infants and children, increase significantly especially in winter months, Specialist from Medical Park Tarsus Hospital Pediatrics Department. Dr. Seyithan Yalınkılıç said, “The cause of this disease, which can be of bacterial or viral origin, should be investigated very well. Because unnecessary use of antibiotics can cause antibiotic-induced diarrhea and future resistant infections and allergic disorders by suppressing the flora.

exp. Dr. Yalınkılıç said, “In addition to upper respiratory tract infectious diseases such as throat infections, sinusitis and laryngitis in winter, there may be an increase in lower respiratory tract infectious diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia. The reason why viruses spread from the moment the weather gets cold is that viruses continue to live for 48-72 hours, including on inanimate surfaces. The transmission of viruses can be through direct contact and droplets. Particles in the form of droplets can be suspended in the air when sneezing, coughing or breathing, and they can reach the lower respiratory tract more quickly.

Crowded environments should be considered

Expressing that children can have an average of 3-8 colds per year, Uzm. Dr. Yalınkılıç said, “Upper respiratory tract infections are very common in nursery, school age and infancy under the age of 2 years. The presence of a child in the family who goes to school or nursery, and parents who work in crowded work environments is a risk factor for the transmission of diseases. Droplets suspended in the air increase the contagiousness of the disease as a result of contact with the dirt surfaces.

Those with immune problems are at risk.

Underlining that children with immune problems and allergies in lower and upper respiratory tract diseases are at higher risk than other children, Uzm. Dr. Yalınkılıç shared the following information:

“In children with allergies, the respiratory tract is narrowed and blocked, and bacterial and viral reproduction can occur very easily. Therefore, knowing the diseases well, knowing the truth about the use of antibiotics, avoiding unnecessary drug use, learning the techniques of measuring and lowering fever will make this period more comfortable for both children and their families.

Attention to cough, hoarseness and eye inflammation!

Stating that the causative agent of the disease, known as the common cold or flu, is 95% viral, Dr. Dr. Yalınkılıç said, “Antibiotics are generally not needed in treatment. Cough, hoarseness and runny nose, eye inflammation, weakness, loss of appetite, mouth sores and diarrhea can be seen in the patient. Tonsillitis is known as tonsil infection. The cause is usually viral under 2 years old, bacterial over 2 years old. The use of antibiotics for treatment under 2 years of age is unnecessary in most cases. Bacterial agents are more common in middle ear infections. Sinusitis, which is 80 percent caused by bacteria, is an infection of the intraosseous air spaces around the nose. Acute laryngitis, which is an inflammation of the vocal cords, is 95-100 percent viral. It presents with barking cough, fever and loss of appetite. Antibiotic treatment is usually unnecessary, except for otitis, sinusitis and tonsillitis over 2 years of age. Pediatric specialist examination is important in terms of the treatment of all diseases and possible complications.