Patient's question:
My baby is over a year old. When we lived in Chongqing, he often caught colds, and each time it was severe, with high fever. A few times it even turned into pneumonia, which was very worrying. Now the child is in Shandong, although it's very cold, he rarely gets sick. Is it because of the climate in Chongqing?After the New Year, the child will come back, and I'm a bit worried. I hope there's a way to boost his immunity. First follow-up question: I feel it's due to the climate. In the north, he doesn't get colds or fever, but in Chongqing's relatively warm and humid climate, he often catches colds and fever. It doesn't necessarily mean his immunity is weak, right?
Doctor's answer:
Hello: One effective method for preventing upper respiratory tract infections in children is to enhance their respiratory immunity 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. It is rich in immunoglobulins, immune cells, lysozyme, lactoferrin, and other components that help boost infants' infection-fighting ability. Particularly, colostrum secreted immediately after birth is rich in antibodies and trace elements, especially IgA, which is particularly effective in preventing respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Therefore, breastfed infants generally experience fewer colds.
2. Physical exercise
Physical exercise helps strengthen children's physical fitness and improves their disease resistance. In addition to sports activities, they can also make full use of air, sunlight, and water for exercise. For example, sleeping with windows open allows children to breathe in cooler, fresh air, which helps strengthen the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and enhances their resistance. Once children get used to sleeping with windows open, outdoor sleeping can be introduced. Encourage children to participate in outdoor activities and get plenty of sunlight. Bathe them with warm water, or use cold water for handwashing, face washing, and foot washing. On this basis, gradually introduce "three baths" (sunbathing, water bathing, and air bathing) exercises for better results.
3. Increase nutrition
Obtaining various essential nutrients helps enhance children's immunity. A deficiency of trace elements like zinc or vitamin A in the body makes children more prone to recurrent respiratory infections. By adjusting their diet appropriately to increase the intake of zinc or vitamin A, or through zinc supplements and vitamin A pills, these issues can be addressed.