Trẻ viêm phổi nhập viện tăng đột biến, nhiều ca phải thở oxy | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Viêm phổi (Pneumonia): A serious lung infection.
• Viêm đường hô hấp (Respiratory tract infection): Infection affecting the nose, throat, or lungs.
• Virus hợp bào hô hấp (Respiratory Syncytial Virus - RSV): A common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
• Viêm tiểu phế quản (Bronchiolitis): Inflammation of the small airways in the lungs.
• Thở cánh mũi phập phồng (Flaring nostrils): A sign of respiratory distress where the nostrils widen during breathing.
• Rút lõm lồng ngực (Chest retractions): A sign of respiratory distress where the skin between the ribs pulls inward during breathing.
• Thở nhanh (Rapid breathing): Breathing faster than normal.
• Máy thở oxy (Oxygen ventilator): A medical device that helps patients breathe.
• Siêu hô hấp (Respiratory failure): A life-threatening condition where the lungs cannot get enough oxygen.
• Đờm đặc (Thick phlegm): Mucus that is thick and difficult to cough up.
• Vỗ rung (Chest physiotherapy/percussion): A technique used to help loosen and remove mucus from the lungs.
• Tác nhân gây bệnh (Pathogens): Disease-causing agents, such as viruses.
• Đường hô hấp non yếu (Immature respiratory tract): The respiratory system of infants and young children, which is not fully developed.
• Biến chứng (Complications): Secondary health problems that arise from a primary illness.

Summary

Increase in Pediatric Respiratory Illnesses Due to Cold Weather

In the past week, a significant drop in temperature in Northern Vietnam has led to a sharp increase in hospital admissions for children suffering from pneumonia and respiratory tract infections. Many cases have rapidly progressed to severe conditions requiring oxygen support. Hospitals in Hanoi have observed a surge in young children, particularly those under 12 months old, necessitating increased preventative measures.

Case Examples of Severe Respiratory Infections

• 4-month-old infant: Exhibited symptoms of flaring nostrils, chest retractions, and rapid breathing. The child was diagnosed with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection and has been hospitalized for three days, still requiring oxygen support. The diagnosis was severe pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
• 13-month-old infant: Initially presented with a cough and runny nose. Within two days, the condition worsened with wheezing and high fever that was difficult to control. The child was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. The parent described the child's phlegm as thick and requiring frequent nebulization (twice daily). Doctors noted the phlegm was abundant despite the recent onset of illness.

Hospital Admissions and Common Diagnoses

At the National Children's Hospital (Bệnh viện Nhiệt đới Trung ương), the number of pediatric admissions has significantly risen with the colder weather. The majority of these children are diagnosed with pneumonia and bronchiolitis, primarily caused by RSV. Many infants under one year old require oxygen therapy. The transcript emphasizes that younger children are at a higher risk of developing severe complications.

• 2-month-old infant: Contracted the virus from an older sibling. Within two days of symptom onset, the infant developed severe bronchiolitis, significant coughing, and respiratory distress, necessitating oxygen therapy and other respiratory support measures.

Factors Contributing to Increased Severity

Doctors attribute the rise in severe cases to the confluence of cold weather, which favors the proliferation of respiratory pathogens, and the underdeveloped respiratory systems of young children, which are less equipped to adapt.

Furthermore, a lack of parental vigilance regarding early symptoms contributes to delayed treatment. Some families underestimate initial signs like coughing, sneezing, and runny nose, which are common to various respiratory viruses such as RSV, influenza, adenovirus, and parainfluenza. This delay can lead to complications developing by the second or third day of illness.

Another contributing factor is self-medication or delayed medical consultation due to various reasons, which can prevent timely and appropriate treatment, increasing the risk of complications.

Expert Recommendations for Prevention and Care

Experts advise parents to take the following precautions during periods of deep cold:

• Maintain proper warmth: Ensure children are adequately dressed, paying special attention to the neck, chest, and feet.
• Limit exposure to crowded places: Reduce the risk of infection by avoiding densely populated areas.
• Practice good hygiene: Regularly clean the child's nose and throat.
• Ensure adequate hydration: Encourage children to drink enough fluids.
• Monitor breathing closely: Pay attention to any signs of respiratory distress.

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Parents should seek immediate medical attention if their child exhibits any of the following symptoms:

• Rapid breathing
• Chest retractions
• Poor feeding (bú kém)
• High fever
• Unusual crying or fussiness

Conclusion

The current cold spell has triggered a significant increase in severe respiratory illnesses among young children, primarily due to RSV. The combination of environmental factors and the vulnerability of infant respiratory systems, coupled with potential delays in seeking medical care, underscores the critical need for heightened parental awareness and proactive preventative measures. Prompt recognition of warning signs and timely medical intervention are crucial for preventing severe complications and ensuring the well-being of young children.