What to do if a child has itchy lungs and coughs

Lung infection in infants and young children is a relatively common disease. Children have poor immunity, and if they catch a cold, they are often prone to pneumonia. In addition, parasitic and fungal infections are important causes of lung infection. At this time, children are prone to symptoms such as fever and cough. In addition to regular treatment, it is necessary to replenish the body's nutrition in time to improve the body's immunity.

1. Immunization

Immunization is the most effective way to prevent pneumonia in children. The medical community has reached a consensus that three existing vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of children contracting pneumonia and dying from it. They are measles vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (HIB) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). Currently in China, only measles vaccine is included in the free national immunization program.

2. Adequate nutrition

Malnutrition can reduce a child's overall immunity because the body must consume adequate protein and energy for the immune system to function properly. In addition, malnourished children have weaker respiratory muscles and are less able to clear respiratory secretions. Therefore, malnourished children are more vulnerable to pneumonia.

3. Breastfeeding

Breast milk contains the nutrients, antioxidants, hormones and antibodies that babies need to survive and grow, and most importantly, it allows their immune system to function properly. Data shows that for infants under 6 months old, non-breastfed babies are five times more likely to die from pneumonia than fully breastfed babies. However, in developing countries, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for infants under six months old is less than one-third.

4. Zinc

Growing research data shows that children with zinc deficiency are at higher risk of developing pneumonia and dying from it. Appropriate zinc supplementation can not only reduce the incidence of pneumonia in children, but studies have also shown that zinc supplementation can shorten the course of the disease and reduce the failure rate of treatment during the acute stage of severe pneumonia.

Editor’s summary: How to prevent pneumonia in children. After reading the above introduction, you now have an understanding of how to prevent pneumonia in children! I hope this helps you. Experts say that children in particular should receive vaccinations regularly, eat more fruits, consume enough protein, drink more water and vitamin C, and improving immunity can help prevent pneumonia!