Bad air: Virus takes toll on Delhi kids
viral infection, frequently mistaken for a bacterial disease and worsened by pollution, is taking a toll of children in Delhi. It is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is like any other influenza virus but can be more serious for children.
"RSV infection is common in winter. But this year the increase in its incidence is appreciably high," said Dr Anil Sachdev, senior consultant, department of paediatric intensive care and pulmonology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. The hospital recently conducted a study of children reporting respiratory illnesses and found that among the 220 patients analysed, 57 were RSV-positive. The study also found that 20 of 29 infants who required ICU care for respiratory problems were RSV-positive.
Very often, the symptoms are similar to those of bacterial infection. But Sachdev cautions, "In RSV, antibiotics should not to be given. Instead, anti-virals have to be administered for speedy recovery.
Experts say that in around a quarter of the cases involving infants, the virus travels deep into the lungs and causes small airways to fill up with thick mucus and dead cells. This constricts airways and causes difficulty in breathing.
High levels of pollution can worsen the condition of RSV patients. Dr Chand Wattal, chairperson of the department of microbiology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, explained that this was because "the toxins present in the air bring down the body's capacity to fight infection".
for more details visit www.vayupure.com
"RSV infection is common in winter. But this year the increase in its incidence is appreciably high," said Dr Anil Sachdev, senior consultant, department of paediatric intensive care and pulmonology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. The hospital recently conducted a study of children reporting respiratory illnesses and found that among the 220 patients analysed, 57 were RSV-positive. The study also found that 20 of 29 infants who required ICU care for respiratory problems were RSV-positive.
Very often, the symptoms are similar to those of bacterial infection. But Sachdev cautions, "In RSV, antibiotics should not to be given. Instead, anti-virals have to be administered for speedy recovery.
Experts say that in around a quarter of the cases involving infants, the virus travels deep into the lungs and causes small airways to fill up with thick mucus and dead cells. This constricts airways and causes difficulty in breathing.
High levels of pollution can worsen the condition of RSV patients. Dr Chand Wattal, chairperson of the department of microbiology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, explained that this was because "the toxins present in the air bring down the body's capacity to fight infection".
for more details visit www.vayupure.com
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