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Common Monsoon Illnesses in Children and How to Prevent Them

Approved By: Dr. Sampat Kumar Shettigar July 19, 2024 | 01:51 pm

The monsoon showers offer respite from the scorching summer heat but can bring monsoon illnesses in children and adults. The rainy season particularly poses a threat to the health of children because of their developing immunity systems. As a parent, there is nothing more you want than the health and happiness of your child. So, how do you protect your child from monsoon ailments?

Before we elaborate on a few practical tips to protect your child’s health during the rainy season, let’s look at some diseases that are more likely to raise their ugly heads during the monsoon season.

Mosquito-borne diseases: Dengue, Chikungunya, Malaria, Zika virus

One of the most common monsoon illnesses in children is mosquito-borne diseases. So, why does the rainy season contribute to an increase in mosquito-borne diseases?

Stagnant water pools are breeding havens for mosquitoes. During the rainy season, water fills up in depressed areas in the ground, potholes, or empty crevices. Mosquitoes breed on this still water thereby increasing the chances of mosquito-borne diseases.

Protect yourself and your child from mosquitoes by being vigilant about stagnant water bodies in your vicinity. Drain out stagnant water pools around you to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

You can also use bed nets and window meshes to protect your home from mosquitoes. Additionally, use child-friendly mosquito repellent lotions and sprays before sending your child for outdoor activities and play. Visit a good pediatrician in Bangalore for professional advice on the best mosquito repellent lotion that suits your child’s tender skin.

best child specialist in Bangalore

Nasal congestion and respiratory issues

Another common health hazard for children during monsoons is nasal congestion and respiratory issues.

During the rainy season, the humidity in the air increases. This increased humidity causes swelling in the nasal glands which lead to a reduced airway passage. Consequently, this leads to a stuffy nose and causes difficulty in breathing.

Also, the number of respiratory issues among children significantly increases during monsoons. The increase in humidity in the air causes respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis.

You can protect your child from these monsoon-related illnesses by placing a humidifier at home. You can also encourage your child to drink hot water regularly and try steam inhalation to release nasal congestion. Your child specialist in Bangalore can also prescribe safe nasal saline drops for your child.

Gastroenteritis

Again, gastroenteritis is a common monsoon illness in children. Cases of gastroenteritis or stomach flu surge during the rainy season.  This is because the humidity in the air increases the chances of bacteria in uncooked food.

It is best to serve your child hot, home-cooked meals during the monsoons and avoid uncooked or street food. Also, always make sure your child’s hands are always clean. Demonstrate proper hand washing techniques to your child and ensure hygienic surroundings always.

Waterborne Diseases

Further, Waterborne diseases are common during the rainy season. Contaminated water can lead to diseases like typhoid and diarrhea.

To avoid monsoon illnesses in children through contaminated water, it is advisable to boil and cool water before drinking. The WHO, through its Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality (GDWQ), recommends heating water to a rolling boil to inactivate bacteria and protozoa before consumption.

Conclusion

With the onset of the monsoons, it’s time to take precautions against monsoon illnesses in children. Visit a good pediatrician in Bangalore for advice on a nutritious diet to improve your child’s immunity during the monsoon. The best child specialist in Bangalore can also provide preventive tips to prevent monsoon diseases in children.

Kinder Hospitals in Whitefield Bangalore is one of the best women’s and children’s hospitals in Bangalore. We have a team of dedicated healthcare professionals and children’s specialists in Bangalore. Our core team comprises consultant specialists and the best paediatric surgeons.

At Kinder Women and Children’s Hospital, we are passionate about health care. We believe that children are our future and must have access to the best healthcare systems to ensure their well-being.

When it comes to providing state-of-the-art medical support or the best emotional support to children, Kinder Hospital in Bangalore offers reliable care through careful planning and thoughtful consideration. We encourage open communications to ensure transparency in our services making us one of the most preferred pediatric hospitals in Bangalore.

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