“Allergies and respiratory diseases in children”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Umut Altunç of Cyprus International University (CIU), Faculty of Medicine, stated that all over the world, children are taken to outpatient clinics and the most common complaint would be coughing and stated that respiratory tract infections due to viral agents increase in autumn, especially in children under the age of five.
Altunç stated that about three-quarters of the pediatric cases admitted to the outpatient clinics are caused by respiratory tract diseases, and that about 40 percent of these patients have allergic sensitivities, and if appropriate interventions are not made, one out of ten children with these conditions may develop asthma with chronic airway narrowing in adulthood.
In his statement, Dr. Altunç noted that even children who are cared for in the best conditions experience respiratory tract infections at least 4-6 times a year, especially in nursery and school environments.
Stating that there are many different causes of airway obstruction, Altunç said, "The main ones are house dust mites, pollen increase in the air depending on the season, perfume, polluted air, cigarette smoke, feeding cats, dogs and birds at home, and frequent viral respiratory tract infections. In addition, this risk is even higher in children of families with genetic predisposition and premature babies.”
Dr. Altunç reminded that house dust mite allergy factors, which are very common in the society, can be found in clothes, curtains, pillows, sheets, duvet covers and carpets. Altunç also said that these allergens are very small creatures that live on people's skin waste.
Stating that children with severe and long illness, but who are healthy in certain seasons, and who have respiratory distress due to exercise and allergen exposure, should also be evaluated by pediatric allergy specialists. Altunç pointed out the importance of reducing the allergen exposure of these children as much as possible.
Altunç also gave information about the recent scientific research and stated that, until last year, with the Covid-19 pandemic, the mandatory isolation in homes increased mite exposure and indoor known allergen exposure, but there was no significant increase in the frequency of allergic cough in children, on the contrary, there was a general decrease in respiratory tract diseases and no significant increase in the frequency of allergic cough due to isolation.
Altunç stated that this trend has turned in favor of other viruses this year, and epidemics of infectious diseases, mainly RSV, Rhinovirus, Parainfluenza and Influenza, have impacted especially nurseries, schools and workplaces.
Dr. Altunç reminded that reducing the contact of children with allergens, taking protective measures in environments where collective activities are held such as in kindergartens, avoiding smoking, as well as getting the flu vaccines are important steps that should be taken to protect families and children from respiratory diseases.