The Reception departments of pediatric hospitals experience a surge in activity during this time of the year, primarily due to the prevalence of acute respiratory infections. The most common one during this season is the respiratory syncytial virus. Astghik Baghdasaryan, Head of the Respiratory medicine and Allergology Department at the “Arabkir” medical center, has provided comprehensive insights into acute respiratory infections and their prevention.    If your child has an infection, please contact a pediatrician and adhere to the guidelines for reducing fever:  Lower the temperature if it reaches 38.60C and above, causing discomfort for the child.  If the child has fever but remains active, consider dressing them in light clothing, providing extra fluids, and placing a lukewarm compress on their forehead. When using antipyretic drugs, syrups and suppositories are preferable. For older children, tablets can also be used. Viral infections should not be treated with antibiotics as they have no effect on the virus. Avoid rubbing your child's skin with alcohol, as children’s skin has a well-developed absorbing ability, which can lead to toxic effects.  Remember, that your primary care pediatrician is your first point of contact. Reach out to them, and if inpatient care is considered necessary, they will refer you to the appropriate medical facilities.  

  Dear parents, we've noticed many questions about pneumonia lately. The internet has lots of information about this disease, presenting its causes, classification, symptoms and of course, possible complications, ways of treatment and prevention.   In order not to get confused by the abundant and diverse information, we suggest checking out advice from Dr. Boyajyan. He is the head of the Pediatric-Pulmonology department of the “Arabkir” MC. Follow his advice, timely and accurately fulfill the specialist's appointments, without changing the list or quantity of drugs yourself.   Pneumonia is an acute infectious disease of the lungs, mostly caused by bacteria. Key symptoms:  fatigue and low energy,  fever, cough and shortness of breath, palpitations (fluttering in chest), muscle pain, headaches, abdominal pain. When to see a doctor:  difficulty or rapid breathing in your child,  bluish or grayish color in lips and fingertips, persistent fever of 38C or higher (children under 6 months) or 38.9C (older children). The child might be hospitalized, if: additional oxygen is required, pneumonia complications arise, your child has a chronic disease, medications can't be taken due to nausea or vomiting, no improvement within 48 hours of treatment. Prevention:  vaccinations,  encourage healthy lifestyle and diet.   Treatment: antibacterial therapy (bacterial pneumonia), oxygen therapy,  symptomatic therapy. 

Dear Pediatricians,   Happy Pediatrician's Day! Your dedication and care for our children are invaluable. The heartfelt drawings adorning the walls of your rooms stand as a testament to the unwavering love and trust your little patients have for you—a trust that serves as the best medicine.    May your health be robust as you continue to heal and nurture our children. Embrace the pure love they radiate, finding joy in every moment of care.

Asthma is a complex disease caused by genetic and environmental factors. It is the most common chronic disease in children and adolescents worldwide and one of the most common in adults.   The World Health Organization has highlighted asthma as both a cause and consequence of poverty in low- and middle-income countries. WHO estimates that asthma affects 339 million people worldwide.   On the occasion of World Asthma Day, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) have joined forces to discuss key updates to the GINA 2023 strategy report on asthma management recommendations for adults, adolescents and  children, highlighting the key questions on the topic:  how climate change and air pollution can affect people with asthma,  what specialists can do to choose the most suitable inhaler for their patients,  what needs to be done to guarantee a healthier future for patients at national, European and global levels.   In Armenia, children and adolescents with asthma are served in “Arabkir” Medical Center. In our Respiratory Medicine and Allergology service, all modern methods for diagnosis, treatment and management of asthma are possible now, thanks to the close cooperation of our doctors with foreign clinics and professional associations, continuing professional development and great technical equipment.    Asthma is not a sentence. Early diagnosis and proper medical approach make it manageable.

The visit of Professor Alexander Moeller, the head of the Respiratory Diseases Department at the University Children's Hospital of Zurich, to the “Arabkir” Medical Center has concluded.    Almost 100 doctors from “Arabkir” and other medical institutions have participated in the two-day course.   The main topics of the course were related to pediatric respiratory medicine, covering details of diagnosis and treatment. Professor presented the latest updates of the guidelines, which are widely discussed not only in Armenia, but all over the world. Participants had the opportunity to receive updates directly from the head of the guideline's author group, and obtain comprehensive answers to many professional questions.    The cherished aspect of Professor Moeller’s traditional visits is the bedside teaching, where discussions take place directly next to the patient and with them. This format provides a unique opportunity, especially for clinical residents at “Arabkir” MC, to participate in the process of examining and analyzing the problem with a world-renowned Professor.  

Dear colleagues,    We invite the attention of pulmonologists, allergists, pediatricians and cardiologists to the Children's Respiratory Medicine training course which will take place at "Arabkir" Medical Center. The honored guest speaker of the course is Professor Alexander Moeller, the head of the Respiratory Diseases and Sleep Disorders Department at the University Children's Hospital of Zurich. Following topics will be covered during the lectures:  wheezing in preschoolers, bronchial asthma and its diagnosis, treatment of bronchiolitis/bronchitis, acute and chronic cough.   The lectures will be held on March 29 and 30 at 15:00-17:00, in the Green Hall of "Arabkir" MC. The course is organized in cooperation with "Arabkir" MC and the University Children's Hospital of Zurich. Please note that CPD credits will not be provided.  To register, please follow the link: https://forms.gle/yHFnDUtcMZWjkX2q6

Mariam Hakhverdyan is one of our doctors and has answered some questions about coughing. Listen and learn about coughing more precisely, so you can know the do’s and don’ts if your child is coughing. https://www.facebook.com/UnicefArmenia/videos/1170086253555658