In an interview with AKIpress, Bolot Burabaev, Deputy Chief Physician for Outpatient Diagnostic Services at the National Center for Maternal and Child Health (NCOMCH) and a cardiologist-rheumatologist, discussed the health status of children in Kyrgyzstan, the reasons for the negative impact of gadgets, and effective preventive measures.
- What diseases are most commonly encountered in children?
- The most prevalent are respiratory diseases. Bronchopulmonary diseases make up the majority. This is due, firstly, to the large number of people gathered in one room. Bronchopulmonary infections are easily transmitted, and in classrooms or kindergartens with 40 children, one sick child can infect the others. Secondly, the deterioration of the environment negatively affects the bronchopulmonary system and the body's natural filters.
In second place are digestive system disorders. The main causes lie in the quality of food and eating habits. Children currently face issues with food intake. The country has both organic products and imported ones, the quality of which raises doubts. Children are distracted by cartoons during meals, which leads to a lack of mindful eating skills. Parents, busy with work, often resort to convenience foods, which also contributes to digestive tract disorders.
Moreover, the digestive system is closely linked to the nervous system. Modern children are overloaded with information from gadgets, which also affects the health of their gastrointestinal tract.
In third place are infectious diseases, also related to population density and lifestyle.
As for cardiovascular diseases, their prevalence has remained at the same level, possibly with a slight increase due to population growth. Cardiovascular diseases in children can arise as a result of environmental factors and infections contracted by the mother during pregnancy. Congenital heart defects are formed under the influence of external factors during fetal development. The psycho-emotional state of the mother also plays an important role.
- Has the number of children with asthma or allergies increased due to air pollution?
- Yes, the number of children with asthma and allergic diseases is rising. There is also an increase in cases of skin allergies, such as urticaria and diathesis. This is related not only to the environment but also to nutrition.
- What preventive measures can be taken to reduce morbidity among children?
- First of all, it is necessary to remember the measures to protect against infections. During flu outbreaks, parents should provide children with reusable masks to wear at school or on public transport.
It is also important to maintain a healthy immune system, which depends on three factors: quality sleep, proper nutrition, and physical activity. A lack of variety in the diet also affects the immune system. Additionally, modern children often do not get enough sleep due to gadgets.
Regarding non-infectious diseases, attention should be paid to eating habits, physical activity, and in the case of congenital developmental defects — the health of mothers during pregnancy.
To prevent bronchopulmonary diseases, efforts should be made to improve the ecological situation. It is recommended to use air purifiers and filters in indoor spaces.
Do not forget about vaccinating children against various diseases.
- How often do parents refuse vaccinations?
- Vaccination is an important protective measure. Unfortunately, many parents are currently refusing vaccinations, often under the influence of people without medical education who mislead them. Last year, we witnessed a measles outbreak caused by vaccination refusal, which led to tragic consequences. Vaccination forms herd immunity, and with a large number of unvaccinated children, the risk of epidemics increases.
- How do gadgets affect children's health?
- They negatively impact the nervous system and sleep quality. Children should sleep at least 8-9 hours. It is important to turn off gadgets 1-2 hours before bedtime, as blue light disrupts the production of the sleep hormone. This can lead to tantrums and aggression. Gadgets also harm vision, as the distance to the screen is too short, and children often adopt incorrect postures, leading to posture problems. A low level of physical activity also affects health and can lead to vitamin D deficiency.
Moreover, there is a trend of increasing blood pressure in children, which was previously characteristic only of adults. Regular physical activity can help normalize blood pressure.
- What annual examinations should children undergo?
- It is necessary to conduct health screenings in schools and with pediatricians at the place of residence, preferably once a year. This includes a pediatric examination, anthropometric measurements, a complete blood count, urinalysis, and stool tests for worms. It is also important to monitor the absence of bad habits in children.
- What difficulties do families from the regions face?
- Our center serves patients from various regions, and we are experiencing an influx of requests. Family doctors work in the regions, but they are not always sufficiently qualified in pediatrics. This leads to patients who could have been helped at the primary level coming to us. We have already implemented electronic appointment scheduling for the convenience of patients to avoid queues.
- What should parents pay attention to in the first year of a child's life?
- It is important to regularly visit the doctor and monitor the child's development, weight gain, and overall condition. Parents should pay attention to the child's activity and behavior.
