Alleviation: An International Journal of Nutrition, Gender & Social Development, ISSN 2348-9340 Volume 4, Number 4 (2017), 1-9
© Arya PG College, Panipat & Business Press India Publication, Delhi
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Lower Respiratory Tract Diseases (LRT) in Children Aged 0-5 Years

Preeti1& Namrata2
1Extension Lecturer, Department of Home Science
Pt. CLS Govt. College, Karnal, Haryana, India
2Assistant Professor, Govt. Home Science College, Chandigarh, India
Email: preetis509@gmail.com

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the incidence of lower respiratory tract diseases (LRT) diseases and infection in children aged 0-5 years. The method used for data collection was a self-designed questionnaire, which covered parameters like general information, medical information, anthropometric measurements, dietary information, and hygiene. The severity of the disease was found to be mild in majority of the cases (90%). Common symptoms prevalent amongst all the patients were poor feeding, vomiting, cough, and cold. Majority of the patients (97%) had trouble in breathing during onset of the disease. It was further observed that the dietary intake of the children was found inadequate in terms of consumption of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium and iron as compared to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Furthermore, anthropometric measurements of most of the patients were found to be below the normal ranges. From the present study, it was concluded that the incidence of LRT diseases and infections were highest amongst children aged 0-6 months. Children above 6 months of age suffered from bronchiolitis and the dietary consumption and anthropometric variables were found inadequate.