A Review-Acute Respiratory Infections-The Forgotten Killer of Children

Infections of the respiratory tract are perhaps the most common human aliment. While they are a source of discomfort, disability and loss of time for most adults, they are a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in young children and the elderly. Many of these infections run their natural course in older children and in adults without specific treatment and without complications. However, in young infants, small children and in the elderly, or in persons with impaired respiratory tract reserves, it increases the morbidity and mortality rates. Acute respiratory tract infections are the most common illnesses in childhood, comprising as many as 50% of all illnesses in children less than 5 years old and 30% in children aged 5 - 12 years. Multiple factors determine the frequency and nature of these illnesses. These include host factors, environmental factors and infecting agents. The common acute respiratory tract infections will be individually discussed, highlighting the diagnostic features and current management guidelines.