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NDTV
20-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Recurrent Colds And Coughs In Children? Watch Out For These Signs And Symptoms Of Immune Deficiency
It is perfectly normal for young children to catch a cold or develop mild infections frequently as their immune systems are still developing. However, if your child falls sick frequently or it takes longer than usual for them to recover, you must focus on their immune health. An underlying immune deficiency can be indicated by colds that are frequent or respiratory issues that are prolonged or persistent. Repeated cold and coughs which are prolonged, or persistent, can be signs of either an allergy or an immunodeficiency. While primary immunodeficiency is quite rare, infections that are Severe (particularly intense), Persistent (last a long time), Unusual (caused by uncommon pathogens), or Recurrent (keep returning), captured by the SPUR mnemonic can be important clues pointing toward a compromised immune system. In such cases, it is essential to consult your doctor for appropriate testing to rule out or confirm any underlying immunity issue. According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, children with more than 8 infections a year, especially if they are unusually intense or slow to respond to treatment should be evaluated for potential immune-related concerns. With growing awareness and advancements in pediatric care, timely diagnosis can make a significant difference in strengthening a child's immune health and quality of life. Signs and symptoms to watch out for 1. Recurring infections during the year If your child is ill more than eight times in one year with cold, cough, or fever, then this might be something to worry about. They may have an immune system that is unable to fight off common viruses and bacteria, and rather, they get consecutive infections with little to no break time in between. 2. Long duration of illness Most of these common colds will clear up within 7-10 days. But if your child still is not feeling well for weeks or is gradually getting worse over time, it could be a sign that the body is having trouble recovering because of an inadequate immune response, rather than fighting a persistent virus. 3. Repeated ear infections If your child has experienced several ear infections, particularly four or more during a year, it may be a sign of an immune deficiency. Children's Eustachian tubes are more likely to become blocked, but repeated infections mean the immune system is not functioning well enough to stop or clear them out. 4. Recurrent chest or lung infections If your child has recurrent episodes of bronchitis, pneumonia, or wheezing disease, especially if they need antibiotics repeatedly or have difficulty breathing, it could mean that there is a more significant issue with immune function in their lower respiratory tract. 5. Tiredness or lack of energy A weak immune system can make a child feel fatigued. If your child is perpetually tired, sleeps all the time, or won't exercise, it may not be low energy; it may be a sign that their body is under stress every day from trying to fight repeated infections. 6. Poor growth or weight gain Kids with underlying immune problems can find it difficult to gain weight or grow at a healthy rate. Their body could be expending most of its energy fighting infections, with less left over for growth and development, particularly if their appetite is compromised over long periods of illness. 7. Digestive troubles Diarrhoea, infections in the stomach, or lack of appetite may result if the immune system becomes weakened and can no longer handle normal gut bacteria. This can then result in dehydration, malnourishment, and overall ill health. What parents can do If these symptoms do not go away, it's important not to ignore them or assume they're just normal medical evaluation, including simple immune function tests, can help exclude or diagnose early immune deficiencies. Some of them will need to be treated with medication, while others can be treated with supportive care and dietary changes. Ways to help increase your child's immune health naturally: Offer a nutrient-rich diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins Ensure they sleep well, as sleep is important for immune repair Encourage physical activity during the day and restrict screen time Encourage good hygiene practices such as washing hands and sanitizing Restrict the overuse of antibiotics if not prescribed, as this can upset natural immune equilibrium. Even though repeated colds and infections in children are common, frequent or repeated illnesses should not be taken lightly. Such repeated symptoms could be an indication of some underlying immune deficiency that needs treatment. Early detection, combined with proper medical care and lifestyle counselling, can significantly improve a child's immunity, growth, and health. Avoidance of complications through timely intervention benefits the child with a healthier, happier, and active life, besides avoiding complications in infections in the child. (Dr. Vikram Gagneja, Consultant - Paediatrics and Head PICU, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi) Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
Axios
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Mayor Lurie's first 100 days follow a familiar playbook
Friday marks Mayor Daniel Lurie's 100th day in office. The Levi Strauss heir, who was elected after attacking established politicians as corrupt, vowed to deliver a safer, cleaner San Francisco — but so far, his policy slate hasn't looked too different from his predecessor's. Why it matters: Lurie inherited the mantle after a tumultuous few years when former Mayor London Breed struggled to bring San Francisco out of a pandemic-era slump. What they're saying: It's hard to say whether San Franciscans' increased "appetite for change" is specific to Lurie, but it does work in his favor, according to Sujata Srivastava, chief policy officer at urban policy think tank SPUR. His administration has responded by showing "a willingness to try new things," such as restructuring City Hall, Srivastava told Axios. 43% of residents say the city is "headed in the right direction," compared to 22% last year, per a February poll from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. State of play: Lurie said in a speech Thursday that while he's proud of what he's been able to achieve, the work continues. "San Franciscans want to live in a city they feel proud to call home," he said. "And we are going to deliver." Yes, but: While Lurie has made progress on a number of issues, many of his policy actions have been an extension of Breed's. Downtown recovery Lurie benefited from several major events that infused cash into the city shortly after his inauguration, including the NBA All-Star Game. He's built on Breed's successes by moving to create five more entertainment zones and extending a program that makes it easier for entrepreneurs to open small businesses. Where Lurie has stood out is in partnering with state legislators to bring back a last-call extension that would allow patrons to drink until 4am. Public safety Lurie has touted the decline in crime, which is at its lowest in 23 years citywide, but it was already falling before he took office. The same goes for encampments, which Breed cracked down on last summer. The launch of automated speed cameras last month was similarly greenlit at Breed's urging. Yes, but: Lurie launched a " hospitality zone task force" to focus on preventative policing in high-traffic areas and plans to open a behavioral health center in the Tenderloin. His fentanyl emergency order, which some critics called performative, helped expedite funding and staffing for tackling the epidemic. Housing Lurie recently introduced a rezoning plan that would concentrate taller homes in neighborhoods that haven't seen major construction in decades. Other initiatives include overhauling the city's homelessness response, deploying emergency vouchers for interim housing and adding 1,500 shelter beds. Between the lines: Lurie's push to reorganize departments is a start, but policy analysts say San Francisco's government — which Srivastava likened to a maze that gets a new section every time something goes wrong — still needs more reform. "It makes it really hard for people to understand, 'Who's responsible? How do I get these services? Who do I talk to when something goes wrong?'" Srivastava told Axios.
