What is ARVI in children and how the disease progresses
Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) are the most common diseases in childhood. A cold can be accompanied by a cough, runny nose, fever, and general weakness. During seasonal viral epidemics, parents of children with chronic conditions, such as bronchial asthma or allergies, need to be especially cautious [3]. It is important to remember that basic therapy for chronic pathologies should not be discontinued independently when signs of a mild viral infection appear [3].
Basic principles of home treatment for a cold
In most cases, uncomplicated ARVI in children resolves on its own with proper care. Key recommendations include:
- Ensuring plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Regular ventilation and humidification of the air in the child's room.
- Monitoring body temperature and using antipyretics (paracetamol or ibuprofen) strictly according to age-appropriate dosage if the child's condition worsens.
- Using saline solutions for nasal irrigation in case of congestion.
At the same time, one should avoid prescribing antibiotics in the first days of the illness, as they do not act on viruses and can harm the gut microbiota.
When is it necessary to see a doctor urgently?
Parents need to monitor the child's condition carefully. There are certain "red flags" that require immediate medical attention or calling an ambulance:
- High fever that does not respond to antipyretics or lasts for more than three to four days.
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, use of accessory muscles for breathing, or cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle.
- Signs of severe dehydration (no urination for more than 6 hours, crying without tears, dry mouth).
- Severe lethargy, drowsiness, refusal to drink, or unusual behavior (confusion).
- Appearance of a rash that does not fade when pressed (requires ruling out severe bacterial infections).
Specifics of care for children in high-risk groups
Young children, as well as patients with immunodeficiencies and comorbidities, require special attention [3]. In such children, ARVI can be more severe and cause various complications. During respiratory virus epidemics, medical consultations are often conducted remotely via telemedicine, which helps reduce the risk of additional infections in clinics [3]. Nevertheless, if alarming symptoms escalate, an in-person examination by a pediatrician is mandatory.
Sources
- 1. Severe rheumatic carditis in children: clinical profile and outcomes from a prospective Indian cohort
- 2. Total bilirubin-to-albumin ratio and systemic immune inflammation index as prognostic indicators in children with febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome
- 3. Managing childhood allergies and immunodeficiencies during respiratory virus epidemics - The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic: A statement from the EAACI-section on pediatrics
- 4. Approach to vertigo in children: A single-center experience
- 5. North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Position Paper on the Evaluation and Management for Patients With Very Early-onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- 6. Paediatrics in Amsterdam
- 7. Treatment outcomes and determinants of refractory peptic ulcer disease in children: A prospective study from Vietnam
- 8. Chinese clinical practice guidelines for acute infectious diarrhea in children
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for reference purposes only and does not replace an in-person consultation with a pediatrician.