The use of Zinc-rich Nutrition to accelerate recovery in toddlers with acute respiratory infections

Abstract

Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is a disease that affects the upper respiratory tract, lasting for 14 days or more, and is caused by microorganisms attacking one or more parts of the respiratory system. This condition is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five, accounting for 28%. ARI remains the most prevalent illness among toddlers, with its incidence increasing each year. This is due to the fact that toddlers belong to an age group that is still vulnerable to health and nutritional issues. Nutritional status is believed to influence a person's immune system, especially in toddlers. Poor nutritional status can damage the mucosa, which serves as the primary immune barrier, thus increasing the risk of ARI progressing to pneumonia. A high incidence of infectious diseases may also indicate zinc deficiency, as zinc plays a crucial role in immune function. Adequate nutrition is essential for the healing process, with protein accelerating recovery. Zinc and iron are micronutrients that significantly contribute to immune status. Zinc is the second most abundant essential element in the body, required for cell division, differentiation, and growth, and it is involved in over 300 biological functions. The case study aimed at implementing the provision of high-zinc nutrition to reduce the duration of ARI recovery in toddlers in ”˜Aisyah Room 3, PKU Muhammadiyah Wonosobo. This study is descriptive research with a case study design involving one patient. Data were collected using both subjective and objective assessments and observation sheets. The administration of high-zinc nutrition for 4 days in a toddler patient with ARI proved to be effective in shortening the recovery duration.

Keywords: Acute respiratory infection, complementary therapy, infection, nursing care, symptoms management