Respiratory infections still on the rise
This autumn significantly mixed up the order of respiratory infections. Two bacterial infections have been leading the way for several months, namely whooping cough and atypical pneumonia caused by pulmonary mycoplasmas. RS viruses and flu viruses are still slowly increasing. 34,000 cases of whooping cough have already been reported this year, which is 10 times higher than in previous record years. The number of pneumonias has increased especially in children, but it is also higher in adults and elderly patients. Pulmonary mycoplasmas are the most common cause of hospitalization in school children. It is important to start the treatment on time and to avoid some common mistakes in the care of young patients.
"Pulmonary mycoplasma, a bacterial infection causing atypical pneumonia, usually occurs in 3-5 year cycles," explains pediatric pulmonologist MUDr. Jana Tuková, Ph.D. from the Department of Pediatrics and Hereditary Disorders of Metabolism 1. LF UK and VFN and points out: "However, this year, due to the interruption of normal development during the pandemic measures, it returned with great force. Dozens of children with symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection or pneumonia are added to our clinic every week. Fortunately, in most children, it is possible to continue antibiotic treatment on an outpatient basis, and only a small proportion of cases require hospitalization and temporary oxygen therapy." This year, the number of cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in the child population has also increased exceptionally. As of the beginning of November 2024, almost 34,500 cases were reported in the Czech Republic, which is ten times more than in previous record years. The most at-risk group are still newborns and infants who are not yet protected by completed vaccinations. The course of respiratory infections in children is usually mild, but parents should not underestimate the situation.
Especially for the smallest patients, a check-up by a doctor is appropriate. "A doctor should be sought immediately, especially in the case of difficult or irregular breathing and general exhaustion of the child," emphasizes MUDr. Fat. Whooping cough is usually manifested by paroxysmal debilitating coughing, often leading to gagging. In infants, however, it can have an atypical, inconspicuous course without a cough, only with difficult breathing or pauses between breaths.
