WHY CHILDREN
Children are more exposed to respiratory infections than adults. Up to 1 year of age, respiration is exclusively nasal which leads to a concentration of external aggressors in the nasal cavities. What's more, their immune system is not fully matured and they have yet to learn how to blow their noses.
The narrowness of the respiratory passage does not facilitate the evacuation of secretions, especially since young babies spend a lot of their time lying down. The nasal cavities therefore become a propitious environment for bacterial growth and for the proliferation of viruses. Finally, life in group situations (at the nursery for example) promotes the frequency and spread of infection.
Respiratory infections are the most common reason for paediatric consultations: all children catch numerous airway infections between 0 and 4 years of age.
Before resorting to the use of antibiotics, paediatricians recommend controlling the fever, draining the nasal cavities, and aspirating the mucosities.