ARI is a respiratory disorder that often attack infants and children. When stricken with ARI, children tend to berThey become lethargic, cranky, and don't want to eat. So as not to be confused in handling your little one when he is exposed to an ARI, You need to know the things around ARI in children and how to treat it.
ARI is a disease that occurs due to infection in the upper respiratory tract. These channels include the nose, nasal cavity and sinuses, throat (pharynx), and vocal cord box (larynx).
ARI can appear suddenly and can be experienced by anyone, especially children and the elderly. While in adults, ARI more often occurs in people who smoke or are exposed to cigarette smoke and pollution.
ARI can describe several infectious diseases of the respiratory tract of children, such as flu, sore throat (pharyngitis), sinusitis, epiglottitis, croup, or inflammation of the vocal cords.
Cause dSymptoms of ARI in Children that Need to be Watched
The main cause of ARI is viral infection, such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, coxsackie, parainfluenza, and RSV (respitatory syncytial virus). However, in certain cases, ARI in children can also be caused by a bacterial infection.
Viruses and bacteria that cause ARI can be spread and transmitted in several ways, for example when a child inhales sneezing droplets from someone who is infected with an ARI. Spread can also occur when a child holds an object that has been contaminated with a virus or germ that causes ARI and unknowingly touches his or her own nose or mouth. ARI also tends to occur more frequently in the rainy season.
When experiencing ARI, children may experience symptoms or complaints in the form of:
- Nasal congestion or runny nose.
- Sneeze.
- Coughs.
- Sore throat to hoarseness.
- Eyes feel sore, watery, and red.
- Headache.
- Muscle ache.
- Fever.
- Pain when swallowing.
Signs and symptoms of acute respiratory infection due to viral infection will usually persist for 1-2 weeks. After that, the child's condition will subside by itself. During illness, children need to be cared for at home so that they can rest more comfortably.
Although it can improve on its own, ARI in children needs to be watched out for if it gets worse over time or is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Hard to breathe.
- Breath sounds.
- Pain in the chest or abdomen.
- seizures.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Lips and nails look bluish.
- The skin becomes pale and feels cold.
- Digestive disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If there are some of the symptoms above, it could be that ARI in children has caused more severe complications, such as dehydration, pneumonia, and bronchitis. These conditions need to be treated by a doctor immediately.
Steps for Treatment and Prevention of ARI in Children
ARI in children will improve by itself. However, this condition often makes children fussy and difficult to rest, so that the recovery process can be disrupted.
To help the recovery process and allow children to rest more comfortably when exposed to an ARI, there are several treatment steps that can be taken at home, including:
1. Give children enough to eat and drink
When exposed to ARI, children will be less willing to eat and drink. This can cause him to become dehydrated.
Therefore, try to give your child enough water to prevent him from becoming dehydrated. Water can also help thin phlegm, so that the respiratory tract feels more relieved.
If your child doesn't want to drink water, try giving other options, such as lemon water and warm tea mixed with honey. But remember, honey should not be given to children under 1 year old because of the risk of causing botulism poisoning.
When sick, children also need sufficient energy. So, make sure your child eats regularly. If he can't finish his usual meal, give your child smaller meals, but more often. If necessary, give a multivitamin supplement as recommended by the doctor so that the child's nutritional needs are met.
2. Make sure the child gets enough rest.
Sick children need to get enough rest (at least 9-10 hours every night). To help your child rest comfortably, try to create a comfortable and clean atmosphere in his bedroom. You can read a storybook and cuddle your child until he falls asleep, when he feels uncomfortable.
Do not forget to clean the children's room from cigarette smoke, dust, and dirt. If necessary, you can use a humidifier (humidifier) to keep the air clean so that children can rest comfortably.
3. Try gargling salt water
When exposed to ARI, the child will feel a cough and sore throat. These complaints can be overcome by gargling warm salt water.
The trick is to mix a glass of warm water with 2 teaspoons of salt, and dissolve it. After that, ask the child to gargle with the salt water and then mash it. Although it is quite effective in alleviating the symptoms of ARI in children, this method should only be used for children aged over 8 years.
4. Use drugs
If the child's condition has not improved, you can give medicine to help relieve the symptoms of ARI that he feels. This medicine can be in the form of paracetamol to relieve fever and pain, cough medicine, and decongestants to treat colds.
However, before giving the drug, make sure you have read the instructions for use and the dosage as stated on the package.
So that children are not often exposed to ARI, take some steps to prevent ARI or protect children from the following diseases:
- Avoid direct contact with people who are sick.
- Remind children to wash their hands regularly, especially after activities outside the home, touching dirty objects, after urinating or defecating, and before eating.
- Teach children to always cover their nose when coughing and sneezing.
- Avoid sharing toys, eating utensils, or towels with other people who are sick.
- Routinely clean the house and objects in the child's bedroom, such as bed linen, blankets, and toys.
- Complete child immunizations.
ARI in children can indeed heal by itself, especially if the child's immune system is good. However, if the symptoms do not improve after a few days or if they get worse, see a doctor immediately.
Likewise, if the child has symptoms that need to be watched out for as described above, immediately take the child to the doctor to get the right treatment.
