The low temperatures and the arrival of the cold bring with them the season of respiratory diseases. Especially in the little ones. Colds and flu begin to invade schools and nurseries causing respiratory infections. Sometimes parents have a hard time differentiating the symptoms and distinguishing whether the child has the flu, a common cold or even bronchiolitis.
The reality is that they are two different respiratory infections, although both are spread in the same way: through the air or through contact with contaminated elements. The cold is caused in most cases by the rhinovirus. This virus triggers an infection in the respiratory tract, with cough, sore throat and mucus being its most recurrent symptoms.
The flu, on the other hand, is caused by type A, B or C viruses. In addition to nasal congestion, sore throat and runny nose, fever takes on a leading role. It is also common to find children with muscle aches, fatigue or chills when they are going through a flu episode.
Colds usually disappear after a few days without leaving sequelae in the child, while flu tends to be more persistent. It is advisable to go to the pediatrician when any of these symptoms are detected so that it is the specialist doctor who determines the treatment.
Bronchiolitis is an acute respiratory infection produced in most cases by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virus causes inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles, generating mucus inside them. It affects children under 24 months of age and usually begins with symptoms typical of a common cold, leading to respiratory distress and, in some cases, fever. Bronchiolitis is transmitted by contact with the respiratory secretions of people who are already infected or by contaminated objects.
As stated at the Hospital Universitari General de Catalunya, the most common symptoms in children with bronchiolitis are:
Professionals assure that most cases do not require hospitalization, although there are children in risk groups with whom special attention should be paid, such as babies under two months of age or those with a congenital pathology.
The most important measures to prevent these most common respiratory infections are hand washing, regular cleaning of common surfaces, and child hygiene. Remember that if the child presents any symptoms that can lead to a respiratory infection, the first thing you should do is consult a specialist doctor to evaluate the situation and make a diagnosis.
