Holguín shows an increasing tendency of ARI in pediatric ages

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The autumn and winter months in the province of Holguin bring with them an increase of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), especially in pediatric ages and particularly in children under two years old.

Acute Respiratory Infections, pediatric ages, increase, Holguín

According to Dr. María Migdalia Paneque Mendoza, deputy director of the Octavio de la Concepción de la Pedraja Pediatric Hospital, “this increase can already be seen in the hospital, since ARI, including bronchiolitis, is a disease that evolves in outbreaks and affects the youngest children to a greater extent.

Bronchiolitis is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, where the main symptom is shortness of breath. Hence the need for Holguin families to be aware of these symptoms in a timely manner and act accordingly.

Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), pediatric ages, increase, Holguín

Among the immediate actions carried out by the health personnel in charge of caring for pediatric patients is a training on ARI for pediatricians from the nine health areas of the provincial capital city.

This action of improvement was attended by Doctor in Sciences Alberto Rubén Piriz Assa, head of the Mother and Child Care Program (PAMI) in the territory, as highlighted by the also first-degree specialist in Pediatrics.

Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), pediatric ages, increase, Holguín

Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) are currently an important health problem in the province of Holguin, with high incidence and disastrous consequences for population groups such as children and the elderly. These are defined as the set of transmissible diseases of the respiratory system that includes, from the common cold to pneumonia, otitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, acute bronchitis and laryngitis.

Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), pediatric ages, increase, Holguín

Among the most common symptoms are general malaise, nasal congestion and discharge, cough, sore throat, expectoration and difficulty breathing, with or without fever. Hence the importance of being aware of the risk factors and that timely treatment is indicated to prevent complications or death.

It is also necessary to closely follow the behavior of other ARI such as influenza, other coronaviruses and pneumonia, diseases that every year are among the 10 first causes of mortality both in the province and in Cuba.