Here’s What Moms-To-Be Need To Know About Respiratory Illnesses

As a mom-to-be, it is quite natural for you to be concerned about the safety and well-being of your baby and it is this concern that influences most of your decisions, right from the time you get the good news until you hold your bundle of joy in your arms; and thereafter too. Small steps and preventive measures that you take during the course of your pregnancy go a long way in ensuring that your newborn is healthy and free from various diseases, including serious respiratory illnesses that can lead to severe complications. This includes getting immunized and learning more about conditions that babies, especially newborns, are susceptible to. This blog will help you learn about common respiratory illnesses in newborns and their prevention.

Why Is It Important For Expectant Moms To Know About Respiratory Illnesses?

Respiratory infections, especially those affecting the lower respiratory tract, are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Newborns and infants are highly susceptible to these because of the smaller size of their lungs and airways, and also due to the fact that their immune system is still developing. According to a 2010 NIH study, “Early-life viral infections have been associated with the development of wheezing and asthma in later life” 1

Taking various proven precautionary measures like immunization can help safeguard your little ones from such diseases. 

What Are Common Respiratory Illnesses?

Cold - Common cold, as the name suggests, is a very common infection that involves the upper respiratory tract. It is characterized by inflammation in the membranes lining the nose and throat. Common symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, body ache, and cough. In the majority of cases, the symptoms resolve within a week. 

Influenza - Commonly called flu, is somewhat like the common cold, but the symptoms are more severe and may involve digestive symptoms along with muscle aches, high fever, cough, and runny nose. The infection is caused by four different types of viruses. These are Influenza A, B, C, and D viruses. 

RSV - Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a deadly virus that can cause diseases that mimic symptoms of the common cold, such as congestion, runny nose, and headache. The symptoms are usually mild for adults and older children, however, they can prove to be life-threatening for small babies as there are higher risks of complications like pneumonia and bronchitis. 

Sinusitis - Also known as sinus infection, the disease is marked by inflammation in the tissues that line the sinuses i.e. tiny air sacs found behind the nose and eyes, often leading to the build-up of fluid. It can be triggered by an allergen or other respiratory illnesses like cold and flu.

Pneumonia - The potentially serious infection of the lungs which may be caused by viruses, bacteria, and even fungi. Pneumonia can lead to the buildup of fluid in the lungs which affects their ability to function optimally, thereby disrupting normal breathing. Symptoms include rapid breathing, cough, chest pain, fever and chills. 

Bronchitis - Bronchitis is a condition marked by inflammation of the bronchi, which usually happens after a severe cold or flu. The classic symptom of the disease is a persistent cough that lasts for weeks, even when the virus is cleared. Symptoms are similar to those of flu and include wheezing, sore throat, fever, chills, congestion, and chest discomfort. 

According to an IAP (Indian Academy of Paediatrics) article, “RSV is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in young children and is responsible for an estimated 160,000 deaths annually worldwide.”2 The study also suggests that “78% of RSV hospitalizations happen in otherwise healthy full-term children. 50% of RSV hospitalizations happen during RSV season, whereas 50% happen outside the season. RSV season happens during the winter season in the West and in the months of June through October in India with a small peak during the winter season.” 

How Do Respiratory Illnesses Spread?

Respiratory illnesses like the common cold, flu, certain types of pneumonia, and bronchitis can easily spread from one person to another through close contact. Common modes of transmission include coughing, sneezing, and touching infected surfaces. If someone in your family has been infected, you should keep your baby at a safe distance from them. 

How To Prevent Serious Respiratory Illnesses?

The best way to prevent serious respiratory illness is by getting immunization against deadly viruses like RSV. Other preventive measures that should be taken until the baby is __ years of age, include:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before holding your baby

• Avoid traveling to crowded areas with your baby

• Continue breastfeeding as long as you can, as it helps strengthen the baby’s immune response

• Limit contact with others unless very necessary

• Follow proper respiratory hygiene like covering your nose/mouth while sneezing and coughing

• Disinfect suspected surfaces and maintain proper hygiene

• Ensure good ventilation in the room

Disclaimer – 

Issued in public interest by Sanofi Healthcare India Pvt Ltd

Reference :

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2806659/

2. https://iapindia.org/pdf/nRICH-Article-35.pdf

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