Patient's question:
Dr. Li, hello! I heard that infants who are breastfed for 6 months should not get colds easily. However, my child is 5 months old and is also breastfed, but recently for the past month, he has been catching colds frequently and has developed bronchopneumonia. Isn't breastfeeding supposed to prevent colds? How come he still got this illness? Could you please tell me what impact it will have on his future physical development?Doctor's answer:
Hello: The condition of the child belongs to individual physiological differences. One effective method for preventing upper respiratory tract infections in children is to enhance the immunity of the child's respiratory tract and strengthen their resistance to pathogens. The following measures can be taken:1. Promote breastfeeding
Breast milk is the most ideal natural food for infants, containing various nutrients. Breast milk is rich in immunoglobulins, immune cells, lysozyme, lactoferrin, and other components, which help to enhance the infant's ability to resist infection. Especially the colostrum secreted immediately after childbirth, which is rich in antibodies and trace elements, particularly IgA, is helpful in preventing respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Therefore, breastfed infants generally experience fewer colds.
2. Physical exercise
Physical exercise is beneficial for strengthening the child's physique and improving their ability to defend against diseases. In addition to sports activities, the child can also make full use of air, sunlight, and water for exercise. For example, sleeping with windows open allows the child to breathe in cooler, fresh air, which helps to strengthen the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and enhance their resistance. Once the child is accustomed to sleeping with windows open, outdoor sleeping can be further implemented. Encourage the child to participate in outdoor activities and get plenty of sunlight. Use warm water for bathing, or cold water for handwashing, face washing, and foot washing. On this basis, gradually introduce "three baths" (sunbathing, hydrotherapy, and air therapy) exercises for better results.
3. Increase nutrition
Obtaining various essential nutrients helps to enhance the child's immunity. A deficiency of trace elements zinc or vitamin A in the body makes children more prone to recurrent respiratory infections. Through appropriate dietary adjustments, increase the intake of trace elements zinc or vitamin