Tuberculosis is a major global public health problem. Experts from the National Children's Medical Center pointed out that children are at high risk of tuberculosis infection because their immune system is not yet perfect. According to the report released by the World Health Organization in 2024, children account for 12% of the global new tuberculosis patients. March 24 is the 30th World Day to Fight tuberculosis. The reporter from Xinhua News Agency contacted experts from the National Children's Medical Center and the Respiratory Center of Beijing Children's Hospital to answer the parents' concerns about the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis in children. Q: What are the characteristics of tuberculosis in children? Yang Haiming, chief physician of National Children's Medical Center and Respiratory Center of Beijing Children's Hospital: tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Children's tuberculosis has its particularity. First, the source of infection is mostly adult patients in the family, such as parents, grandparents and other close contacts; Secondly, the immature development of children's immune system makes them prone to systemic dissemination after initial infection with tuberculosis; Thirdly, the symptoms are atypical and vary greatly among individuals. Some children only present with low-grade fever, loss of appetite, or weight loss, which can easily be misdiagnosed as a common cold or other lung infections. Early detection, isolation, and treatment of adult patients within the family are key to reducing the risk of infection in children. Second question: How to identify early signs of tuberculosis in children? Li Huimin, Chief Physician of the Respiratory Center at the National Children's Medical Center and Beijing Children's Hospital: Persistent coughing for more than 2 weeks, recurrent low-grade fever accompanied by night sweats, and growth arrest are important warning signals. The symptoms of tuberculosis in children vary greatly from person to person. Parents should be alert to the following manifestations, including fever, mostly low fever in the afternoon, lasting for more than 2 weeks, accompanied by fatigue and night sweats; Cough, persistent dry cough for more than 2 to 3 weeks, some children may experience hemoptysis or chest pain; Systemic symptoms, such as poor appetite, no weight gain or loss, may manifest as mental lethargy and unexplained crying in infants and young children. If the child has a history of contact with tuberculosis patients or has the above symptoms, tuberculin skin test, chest X-ray, sputum and blood examination should be carried out in time to avoid delayed treatment. Third question: How to protect children when there are tuberculosis patients in the family? Yang Haiming: Implement the three principles of "isolation, protection, and monitoring". Isolation measures include patients with active tuberculosis should live alone and avoid sharing utensils, towels, and other items with children; Patients need to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and their sputum should be sealed. Environmental protection includes opening windows for ventilation 2-3 times a day, each time for at least 30 minutes; The patient's room should be regularly disinfected, and children should wash their hands frequently and strengthen their nutrition to enhance their immunity. Close monitoring refers to standardized treatment if someone at home is diagnosed with tuberculosis, and close contacts at home should be screened and prevented as soon as possible; If a child only has a positive skin test for tuberculosis, but no symptoms of active pulmonary tuberculosis, and no active lesions are found on chest imaging, they can go to school normally. Fourth question: Can children's tuberculosis be eradicated? How can children prevent tuberculosis? Li Huimin: Under standardized treatment, the cure rate of tuberculosis in children reached 98%. The treatment follows the principle of "early, combined, moderate, regular, and full course", and the course of treatment is usually more than 6 months. Attention should be paid to enhancing physical fitness, avoiding contact with infectious sources, and regular follow-up for 1 to 3 years. In terms of prevention, BCG vaccine is still an important means, and newborns should receive BCG vaccine on time; If family members have cough, low fever and other symptoms, tuberculosis should be checked in time. Although tuberculosis can be prevented and treated, its concealment and risk of transmission within the family still need to be vigilant. Medical institutions should strengthen the screening and standardized treatment of tuberculosis in children; Parents need to raise their awareness of prevention, identify and intervene early; All sectors of society need to jointly strengthen health awareness and fulfill their health responsibilities. Build a solid barrier against tuberculosis for children through multi-party cooperation. (New Society)