• 1 week ago

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children

What Are Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) affect the nose, throat, sinuses, tonsils, and voice box. They are mostly viral and extremely common in childhood, especially during fall and winter. Children attending daycare or preschool may experience 6–8 URTIs per year, which is considered normal as their immune systems develop.

Most URTIs are self-limiting, meaning they resolve within 5–10 days without the need for antibiotics. Still, parents should recognize when symptoms require medical attention and understand how to manage them at home.

Common Types of URTIs in Children

1. Common Cold (Viral Rhinitis)

The most frequent type of URTI.

  • Symptoms: Runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, mild cough, low-grade fever
  • Cause: Rhinovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus
  • Treatment: Supportive care—fluids, rest, nasal saline

2. Pharyngitis / Tonsillitis (Sore Throat / Strep Throat)

Inflammation of the throat or tonsils.

  • Symptoms: Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, irritability
  • Cause: Mostly viral; sometimes bacterial (Group A Streptococcus)
  • Treatment: Viral cases need comfort care; bacterial cases require antibiotics (based on a rapid strep test)

3. Laryngitis (Inflammation of Vocal Cords)

  • Symptoms: Hoarseness, dry cough, “barking” sound
  • Cause: Viral
  • Treatment: Steam inhalation, hydration, voice rest

4. Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)

Often follows a cold.

  • Symptoms: Nasal congestion >10 days, facial pressure, postnasal drip
  • Diagnosis: Based on clinical symptoms
  • Treatment: Supportive if viral; antibiotics if symptoms persist or worsen

When to Worry: Red Flags in URTIs

Most URTIs are mild, but you should seek medical care if:

  • Fever over 38.5°C (101.3°F) persists beyond 3 days
  • Breathing becomes difficult, chest retracts, lips turn blue
  • Child is unusually sleepy or refuses to drink
  • Ear pain or discharge appears
  • Sore throat with white spots or pus
  • Eye discharge and redness in both eyes (may signal conjunctivitis)

Do URTIs Require Antibiotics?

Most of the time, no. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Giving them during a viral infection does not speed recovery and may cause:

  • Diarrhea
  • Antibiotic resistance
  • Allergic reactions

Only a doctor can determine whether your child’s infection is bacterial—and whether antibiotics are appropriate.

How to Care for Your Child at Home

  • Hydration is key: Offer frequent fluids, especially breast milk or warm soup
  • Rest: Let your child sleep as much as needed
  • Nasal hygiene: Use saline drops and gentle suction if needed
  • Humidity: Run a cool mist humidifier or spend time in a steamy bathroom
  • Fever: Use paracetamol or ibuprofen only if needed, per doctor’s advice
  • Nutrition: Don’t force eating—focus on hydration and gentle encouragement

How to Prevent Upper Respiratory Infections

  • Handwashing: Teach your child to wash hands with soap regularly
  • Avoid exposure: Keep your child home during outbreaks or if someone is sick
  • Stay up to date on vaccines: Flu and COVID-19 vaccines offer added protection
  • Balanced diet and sleep: Support immune function
  • Clean air and ventilation: Especially in winter and indoor environments

Monitoring with Dr. Ekin Pasinlioğlu

  • Full examination of cough, fever, and throat symptoms
  • Determining viral vs. bacterial origin
  • Lab testing and imaging if necessary
  • Antibiotic stewardship—only when clearly needed
  • Home care instructions and school/daycare return guidance
  • Follow-up for children with frequent or prolonged infections