Introduction
In Mexico, child health faces a paradoxical situation. While infant mortality has decreased over the past two decades, there are still gaps in access, chronic malnutrition, childhood obesity, and declining vaccination coverage rates. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that although indicators have improved in children under five years old, preventable deaths and disparities in care remain key challenges.
Respiratory Diseases
At the Summit of Pediatrics 2025, organized by Opella, over 200 pediatricians and specialists gathered to update knowledge on common childhood illnesses, promote self-care, and discuss strengthening prevention from the earliest stages of life.
Dr. Alberto Contreras: A Pediatric Allergist
Dr. Alberto Contreras, a pediatric allergist, explained that it’s normal for children to have six to eight respiratory infections annually. However, he emphasized that these cases should be brief and not require unnecessary treatments. He stressed the importance of distinguishing a viral infection from persistent allergies.
Dr. Benjamín Cepeda Ortega: An Alergy Specialist
Dr. Benjamín Cepeda Ortega, an alergy specialist, pointed out that late diagnoses and self-medication exacerbate symptoms and increase bacterial resistance. He explained that allergic rhinitis is the most common pediatric allergy, but cases of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies also exist.
Both specialists agreed that pediatricians should be vigilant about risk factors such as family history, excessive antibiotic use, or unnecessary cesarean sections.
They proposed using bacterial lysates as a preventive strategy during periods of high viral circulation.
Digestive Health
Dr. Cristian Boggio Marcel, a pediatric gastroenterologist, highlighted that the development of intestinal microbiota in early childhood directly impacts a child’s future health.
“Diet, mode of delivery, and breastfeeding are crucial factors in establishing a healthy microbiota,” he explained.
He emphasized the use of probiotics for colicky infants and the importance of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and legumes as a source of prebiotics. Boggio stressed that early life is a critical window for preventing diseases like obesity, asthma, and hypertension in adulthood.
Otitis
Dr. Carlos de la Torre González, a pediatric otorhinolaryngologist, reminded that 80% of children under two years old will experience at least one episode of otitis media.
This inflammatory disease, often triggered by a cold, can lead to complications if not detected early.
“Young children cannot express their discomfort, so doctors must maintain a high index of suspicion, and parents should avoid self-medication,” he advised. He warned that improper treatment can result in consequences like conductive hearing loss, the leading cause of non-genetic deafness in children.
Opella’s Strategy in Child Health
During the meeting, Matías Caride, CEO of Opella and president of AFAMELA, shared the company’s strategy to promote pediatric self-care, emphasizing that “self-care is not self-medication; it’s about providing tools for parents and patients to make informed decisions.”
Caride announced the results of an in vitro study conducted in Mexico that expands the use of Pulmonarom, now showing immune activation against viruses in addition to bacteria.
Updates were also presented about Enterogermina, a probiotic that protects the microbiota during antibiotic treatments. As part of their strategy, Opella will gradually transition to more inclusive packaging designs: including Braille, QR codes for remote reading and better dose/contraindication visibility.
This will be accompanied by professional training and a national educational campaign. “Every decision we make in child health today builds the collective well-being of tomorrow,” Caride concluded. “Our commitment is that this brighter future begins now.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What are common childhood illnesses discussed at the summit? Respiratory diseases, digestive health issues, and otitis were the main topics.
- Who are the specialists mentioned? Dr. Alberto Contreras (pediatric allergist), Dr. Benjamín Cepeda Ortega (allergy specialist), and Dr. Cristian Boggio Marcel (pediatric gastroenterologist) were among the experts.
- What is Opella’s strategy in child health? Opella aims to promote pediatric self-care by providing tools for informed decision-making, expanding product uses, and improving packaging designs for accessibility.
- What are the key takeaways on preventing childhood illnesses? Be vigilant about risk factors, distinguish between infections and allergies, maintain a healthy microbiota, and seek timely medical attention for potential complications.
