Refreshing rainfall and colder weather make the rainy season a perfect time for rejuvenation. However, alongside a refreshing atmosphere, monsoons bring a change in air that can affect kids’ health. The increased humidity, stagnant water, and rapid shifts in temperature create perfect thriving conditions for all kinds of viruses and bacteria, making children more susceptible to respiration-related rainy season diseases.         

Respiratory illnesses are at their peak during monsoon, with sneezing, coughing, running nose, sore throat, and throat irritation being the common symptoms. So, what common respiratory illnesses can children be vulnerable to? How can you prevent your little one from contracting those diseases?

This article will educate you on how and what pediatric respiratory problems can be triggered by the rainy season, along with some prevention tips.

How Monsoon Can Cause Pediatric Respiratory Diseases?

During monsoon, the weather fluctuates, which can raise the risk of pediatric respiratory diseases. For instance, the air becomes more humid after the heavy showers. Higher humidity makes the airways more irritated and constricted, which puts children whose immune systems are still developing at risk for respiratory-related illnesses.

Also, the wet and humid conditions create ideal conditions for the growth of mould and dust mites. Your child might experience allergic reactions when inhaling these potent allergens, resulting in conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. 

The sudden drops in temperature during the rainy season can cause the respiratory passages to constrict, making it difficult for little ones to breathe, especially those with pre-existing conditions like asthma. Moreover, the monsoon season often increases the risk of viral and bacterial infections, with viruses and pathogens targeting children’s respiratory tracts. 

Common Respiratory Problems in Children During Monsoon

As per doctors, your kid can contract the following respiration-related rainy season diseases:

• Acute Rhinopharyngitis

Acute Rhinopharyngitis, often called the common cold, is the most common monsoon-related respiratory illness. When the weather changes, more than 100 viruses- most of which belongs to the Coryza virus family, like rhinovirus- can cause the common cold. During rainy days, children are more vulnerable to common colds, causing symptoms including runny or stuffy nose, coughing, sore throats, sneezing, low-grade fever, and mild headaches. While this condition is usually not very severe, it can occasionally lead to severe side effects, particularly in younger ones.

• Viral Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which might fill with fluid or pus. During the rainy season, you can see a rise in cases of viral pneumonia, especially among little ones. Most pediatric pneumonia cases are caused by increased exposure to viruses and bacteria responsible for flu, colds, or other respiratory infections, like adenovirus, RSV, rhinovirus, etc. 

This respiratory illness can present with various signs and symptoms, including fever, chills, chest pain, rapid or difficulty breathing, pain in the abdomen, and a productive cough. 

• Allergic Rhinitis

Doctors say that more and more kids are contracting allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, during the monsoon. During these times, allergens like pollen, mould, and pores become more prevalent in the air and can cause irritation to the nasal passages, leading to symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny or blocked nose, ear infections, etc.

Kids suffering from allergic rhinitis might find it hard to do normal activities. So, if your munchkin has these symptoms, you should consult a paediatrician. 

• Acute or Chronic Bronchitis

Acute or chronic bronchitis is another condition that tends to flare up in the rainy season. A higher prevalence of viral infections during monsoon, such as RSV or Rhinovirus, can cause inflammation of bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.

For acute bronchiolitis in paediatrics, the coughing might begin like a common cold in kids, but it might be more frequent and longer. In the case of chronic bronchitis, children may develop mucus production, difficulty or fast breathing, listlessness, loss of appetite, and persistent cough.

• Asthma

A chronic respiratory condition, asthma, becomes quite common during rainy days. The sudden changes in the weather, elevated humidity levels, and the presence of mould can all cause your child to experience asthma attacks. If you notice symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, or chest tightness, you should take your kid to a doctor. Also, you can manage these symptoms with appropriate medications and by avoiding known triggers.

Tips to Prevent Pediatric Respiratory Diseases in Rainy Season

Rainy season diseases and prevention are inversely proportional, meaning following relevant preventive measures can help eliminate the risk of illnesses. So, to prevent respiratory conditions in your little ones during the monsoon season, follow these practical tips: 

• Maintain good hygiene: You should ask your kids to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, particularly after engaging in outdoor play, sneezing, coughing, or right before meals. Doing this will help reduce the risk of spreading viral infections. 
• Keep your home clean: Regularly clean and ventilate your home to prevent the buildup of mould, dust mites, and other allergens. 
• Avoid exposure to cold and moisture: Dress your kids in warm and dry clothes to protect them during cold days. When it rains a lot, keep them inside and ensure they are away from wet places and mould-prone areas.
• Boost immunity with a balanced diet: The immunity of your younger ones is in the developing stage. By feeding them a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you can strengthen their defences against monsoon-triggered respiratory diseases.
• Consult a doctor for asthma management: Does your child have asthma? Consult a paediatrician specialising in breathing problems to develop a comprehensive asthma management plan for the monsoon season.
• Ensure proper vaccination: To shield them against common respiratory infections, remain informed about your child's vaccinations, such as the flu shot.

All-in-All

The rainy season, with relief to hot weather, also poses a significant risk to children's respiratory health. Understanding how monsoon triggers pediatric respiratory diseases can help safeguard your child by taking necessary precautions. You can even visit a paediatric pulmonology specialist at Medanta to prepare a comprehensive pediatric respiratory health management plan for the rainy season.