Question
Children frequently experience upper respiratory infections accompanied by asthma. They inquire about whether using immunostimulants can boost their immunity and which type of immunostimulant is more appropriate.
Answer
Hello: One effective way to prevent upper respiratory infections in children is to enhance the immunity of the respiratory tract, thereby improving resistance to pathogens. The following measures can be taken:
- Advocating Breastfeeding: Breast milk is the ideal natural food for infants, containing various nutrients, including immunoglobulins, immune cells, lysozymes, and lactoferrin, which help improve anti-infection ability. Particularly, colostrum secreted in the first few days after birth is rich in antibodies and trace elements, aiding in the prevention of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Therefore, breastfed infants generally have fewer colds.
- Physical Exercise: Physical exercise strengthens the body and enhances resistance to diseases. In addition to sports activities, full use can be made of air, sunlight, and water for exercise, such as sleeping with windows open to let the baby breathe cooler and fresher air, thereby enhancing the resistance of the respiratory tract mucosa. Moreover, encouraging children to participate in outdoor activities, get more sunlight exposure, and perform warm water baths or cold water hand, face, and foot washes can strengthen their constitution.
- Nutritional Enhancement: Obtaining various essential nutrients for the human body helps improve immunity. Deficiencies in trace elements like zinc or vitamin A can lead to recurrent respiratory infections. By appropriately adjusting the diet and increasing the intake of zinc and vitamin A or using zinc preparations and vitamin supplements, better results can be achieved.