Fo Guang Shan Health Talk- Paediatric Respiratory Tract Illnesses

A Mandarin Health Talk on childhood respiratory tract illnesses was held on 23 June 2018, presented by Dr. Carol Chan, Paediatrician at Christchurch Hospital.  More then 20 people attended the talk.  Common conditions, including bronchiolitis, asthma and croup were covered with illustrations and discussions.

Bronchiolitis is most commonly seen in infants one year of age. Symptoms include wheeze, laboured and fast breathing.  It is often caused by a viral infection, and exposure to second hand smoke increases the risk of getting bronchiolitis.  Symptoms of croup include a barking cough, hoarseness of voice, and stridor.  Illustrations were used to explain the signs of increased effort of breathing and signs to look for to indicate severe disease.  Altered mental state, difficulty breathing, not able to feed, and decreased urine output are some of the indication that medical attention or hospitalization is needed.

Fever was also discussed.  Fever is part of the natural immune response to fighting an infection, and is not dangerous in itself.  Most of the time comfort cares, drinking plenty of fluids, and resting are all children need to recover.  However if children had prolonged fever, lethargic, irritable, difficulty breathing or drinking enough fluids, medical review is indicated.

The Health Talk generated lively discussion. All participants enjoyed learning about health knowledge regarding children.