Khaberni - Mothers usually feel happy and relieved, just by feeling that they have barely gotten rid of a cold their child had, only to find themselves facing a new fever and an unstoppable cough a few days later! This physically and psychologically exhausts mothers and raises concerns and questions: Does my son have an immune problem? Is this normal? And how can I be the first line of defense against recurrent infections in my child?
Here, Dr. Ashraf Mohammed El Arabi, Professor of Pediatrics, confirms that most children go through this phase, especially in their early years; the time they start going to kindergarten or during the first school years, which means constant exposure to viruses. However, there is a fine line between what is normal for a child and passes, and what is concerning, which every mother should know.
Important ideas to know:
Recurrent infections in children are not always bad news. Most of the time, they are part of the child's growth journey and the building of their immune system, but your role as a mother is to differentiate between what is normal and what requires a doctor's visit.
With love, proper nutrition, and a little patience, you will find that your child comes out of each infection stronger and more resilient. You are the first line of defense and the voice of reassurance that your little one always needs.
Are recurrent infections a part of childhood? It is normal for a child to have multiple infections during the early years; due to the immune system still learning about new viruses.
A child might catch 6 to 8 colds in the first year of entering daycare, and having older siblings in the house makes infection almost a daily occurrence; as the sibling who returns from school loaded with germs may quickly transmit them to their younger siblings.
Signs not to ignore
If the inflammation is severe, such as recurrent pneumonia, or inflammation in the blood.
If the infection occurs in unusual places like the liver or the brain.
If you notice that your child is not gaining weight, or their growth is delayed compared to their peers.
These are indicators that require consulting a doctor and are not to be treated with home remedies alone.
Conditions that need treatment and follow-up include:
Respiratory allergies: Some children suffer from nasal or chest allergies, making them more prone to recurrent infections.
Congenital deformities or problems in the airways: They are rare, but they can cause breathing difficulties and frequent infections.
Malnutrition: A child not receiving balanced meals lacks essential elements that protect their immune system.
Weakness or immune deficiency: Whether genetic or due to another disease, this is the least common reason but the most important in cases of abnormal infection recurrence.
The most common types of infections in children
And mothers commonly deal with them frequently such as:
Otitis media, especially after colds.
Sinus inflammation.
Bronchial infections and persistent cough.
Stomach and intestinal infections like diarrhea.
Simple skin infections like rashes or pimples.
All of these are familiar diseases, but they can become exhausting if they occur continuously.
How do you deal with these situations?
Medical care
Consult a doctor if you notice that the infections are repeating more than usual. The doctor may request blood tests or immune tests, and do not request antibiotics from the start, as many of these infections are viral and do not require an antibiotic.
Food and natural support
Food is your first weapon, and foods are simple like:
Honey (after the age of one) to support immunity.
Ginger and lemon to soothe the throat and cough.
Fish such as salmon and tuna that are rich in omega-3.
Colorful vegetables and fruits because they are packed with vitamins.
Sufficient sleep enhances the child's immunity
Sufficient sleep boosts immunity more than any dietary supplement, regular handwashing significantly reduces infection, along with ventilating the home and avoiding passive smoking to promote healthy breathing.
Child nutrition
Nutrition is a priority to combat infections
Do not panic with every cold, as it is normal for a child to get sick more than once a year.
Record notes about the type and number of infections, as this helps the doctor diagnose.
Make nutrition a priority: Healthy balanced meals are better than any medicine.
Do not neglect your child's feelings; stress and anxiety weaken immunity.
Incorporate exercise and play into their daily routine as it strengthens their body and immune system.
Facts and statistics
Pneumonia kills more than 700,000 children under the age of five each year, which is two children every minute according to UNICEF.
Approximately 37% of children in some African countries suffer from respiratory infections annually (field study).
About 10% of children who suffer from recurrent infections have an immune deficiency that needs diagnosis (medical studies).
