Covid and bronchiolitis exacerbate severe respiratory conditions in children
In recent weeks, the number of hospital admissions and deaths from respiratory diseases of children in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul and other states has increased. High mainly due to two pathogens: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)Gives BronchiolitisIt is SARS-CoV-2Back Covid-19.
Some hospitals have reached the highest occupancy of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds. And, yes, it is normal for more respiratory viruses to be transmitted with the onset of autumn and winter, but high demand breaks the two-year pattern of reducing this type of infection in young children.
“There is another respiratory virus in our history, Coronavirus. Other viruses have become less prevalent in recent years due to attempts to contain it, “said Renato Cafouri, an infectious disease specialist and president of the immunization department at the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP).
There, with Facilitating preventive measures, the scenario returns to its normal pattern. “However, in recent years we have not seen virtually any sick children. This resumption of the case may frighten some people,” said Kelly Oliveira, a pediatrician and columnist for Veja Saude.
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According to the Oswaldo Cruise Foundation’s latest infographic bulletin, 7.1 thousand Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that occurred between May 22 and 28 – a complication of this type of infection – 2.5 thousand Occurs in children aged 0 to 4 years.
At this age, the biggest problem is RSV, although the incidence of coronavirus infection has also increased following the trend of adults. Between the ages of 5 and 11, the Covid-19 is a major concern.
Bronchiolitis, a child’s problem
The Bronchiolitis It is an inflammatory disease that affects the bronchioles, a structure of the lungs. It can be caused by a variety of viruses, but the most common is RSV, with which almost all children come into contact in the first years of life, without major complications.
The first symptoms are similar to a common cold-cough: cough, runny nose and fever. “But the disease is also identified Mucus in the lungs And Exhalation into the trachea, Which leads to difficulty breathing, “Kelly explained. Then there may be shortness of breath or shortness of breath in the chest and swelling [inchaço] In the trachea
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In some cases, bronchiolitis can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and atelectasis. [fechamento de uma área do pulmão] Even death. Children under 2 years of age are most affected by bronchiolitis. Newborns, premature babies, those with heart disease and those with chronic lung disease are at higher risk.
Oh Treatment of bronchiolitis It is anti-inflammatory and prescribed by a bronchodilator prescribed by a doctor. The baby may need to be hospitalized to provide oxygen and to monitor the condition closely.
And it’s good to remember that today’s weakest listeners were born with the epidemic. “They are virgins from viral exposure, and the first infections are always those that are at risk of getting worse due to immaturity of the immune system,” Kfouri added.
Coronavirus in children
Despite being a predominantly respiratory disease, Covid-19 may have different manifestations in children. “It’s a broad spectrum of symptoms: diarrhea, fever, skin changes …”, Kelly calculates. These results, it should be noted, are not always coughing and difficulty breathing.
While children may feel more protected from SARS-Cavi-2, the increase in hospital admissions and deaths from the disease in 2022 proves that it can be really serious in this population. In complexity, stand out MyocarditisPost-covid syndrome and MIS-C (a severe systemic inflammation), in addition to severe acute respiratory syndrome.
And that’s probably not something to do Omicron. “There is no choice in the age of the variant. What happens is that the waves reach the least protected population, ”Kefuri highlights. In this sense, Brazil is leaving something to be desired.
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However, two doses of childhood vaccine coverage against Covid-19 are only 60%. Less than 35% of children have completed their immunization schedule. The Rumors And the absence of awareness campaigns is one of the reasons that explains low loyalty.
When to find a hospital?
In general, symptoms of severity Endless feverWhich does not decrease with antipyretic use or lasts more than three days, and Difficulty breathing. The discomfort is evident in the baby’s shortness of breath, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or rapid nasal congestion.
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However, worsening in minors can be subtle, including difficulty breastfeeding and greater discomfort. If the baby is bowing, more numb and “soft” than usual, consult a doctor.
It is time to strengthen the preventive measures
Oh Use of masks Important remains, especially in closed places and with high circulation of people. This applies to both children over 2 years of age (including school) and adults living with them.
If someone is sick at home, the norm is to avoid contact with other family members – just as children with flu symptoms should not go to school.
In the case of VSR, the risk group members can get Palivizumab, An immunoglobulin that provides antibodies ready to stop the infection. Against Covid-19, people over the age of 5 can get the vaccine, which is safe and effective. In fact, it is possible that the immunizer for the youngest will be released in 2022.
Remember that suit The flu Hasn’t started to get up yet – which is close to winter. The influenza vaccination campaign began in March, but the immunizing agent is running outside the health center.