Management of community acquired respiratory infections

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the most common diagnosis in children visiting outpatient departments in both developing and developed countries. The impact of these infections is enormous in terms of total morbidity and mortality. Management of these infections requires a meticulous evaluation and a comprehensive but rational use of supportive, symptomatic and specific therapy. Antibiotics are widely prescribed for the treatment of community acquired respiratory infections to compensate uncertainties of diagnosis and prognosis; unnecessary anti-microbial drug therapy is expensive and resistance by respiratory pathogens is increasing at an exponential rate at a time when new anti-viral as well as anti-bacterial agents are being introduced into the therapeutic armamentarium. Major dilemmas persist regarding symptomatic therapy and the indications of antimicrobial agents. A comprehensive but brief review along with latest protocols and advancements is the management of community acquired respiratory infections in children in cited.