Das infektanfällige Kind

Zusammenfassung

Bei Kindern im Kleinkind- und Vorschulalter wird eine Zahl von acht unkomplizierten respiratorischen Infektionen pro Jahr als normal angesehen (physiologische Infektionsanfälligkeit). Zu einer pathologischen Infektionsanfälligkeit mit systemischer Manifestation kommt es bei primären oder sekundären Defekten des Immunsystems. Eine physiologische Infektionsanfälligkeit bedarf keiner spezifischen Therapie. Zur Prophylaxe von Infektionserkrankungen werden die folgenden Therapieformen vorgestellt und anhand von Studienergebnissen bewertet: Stillen, Rauchvermeidung, Vermeidung von Infektionsexposition, roborierende Maßnahmen, Impfungen, Echinacea-Präparate, Vitamin C, bakterielle Extrakte und Homöopathie.

Summary

Up to 8 respiratory viral infections are considered normal in infants and children in pre-school age (physiologic susceptibility to infections). No specific treatment is necessary. Only systemic manifestations of primary or secondary immune deficiencies are clearly pathological. Based on results from scientific studies this paper discusses opportunities and limitations of prophylactic measures (e.g. breast-feeding, avoidance of passive smoking, avoidance of exposure to infections, immune stimulants, vaccinations, Echinacea preparations, vitamin C, bacterial extracts and homeopathy).

Key words

Respiratory tract infection - physiologic/pathologic susceptibility to infection - infant - pre-school children

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