Patients at the Danang Hospital for Women and Children
According to Dr Tran The Tao from the hospital, the number of children admitted for respiratory illnesses has surged dramatically over the past 7 to 10 days. The primary diagnoses include pharyngitis, bronchitis, and respiratory viral infections, with many cases progressing to pneumonia.
“An average of 30 children are admitted each day with these illnesses, sometimes reaching 40 to 50 cases, causing hospital overcrowding,” said Dr Tao. “Additional beds have been set up along the corridors.”
Although other wards still have available beds, the hospital explained that limited staff numbers mean that patients, particularly those requiring oxygen or at risk of respiratory failure, need to stay close to the central area for better monitoring by doctors and nurses.
Doctor Tao noted that many children are brought to the hospital late, when their conditions have worsened, forcing immediate oxygen support and emergency inpatient care.
He added that viral infections currently cause most pneumonia cases. “There are no specific antiviral drugs for these illnesses. Treatment mainly focuses on supportive care, proper nutrition, and close monitoring. Antibiotics and oxygen therapy are only needed when complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure occur,” he said.
Tao advised parents to keep their homes clean and dry, avoid dampness and cigarette smoke, and limit their children’s exposure to crowded places. “If a child develops high fever, rapid breathing, fatigue, or refuses to eat, parents should take them to a medical facility immediately to prevent serious complications,” he warned.
