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Treatment of recurrent upper respiratory infection in children

N Sher

    Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
    |February 10, 2011
    PubMed

    Insights

    Recurrent respiratory infections in children can be managed with sulfonamides, vaccines, or surgery. Sodium cromoglycate showed improvement in 60% of pediatric patients with persistent infections.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Immunology
    • Otolaryngology

    Background:

    • Recurrent upper respiratory infections (URIs) pose challenges in pediatric care.
    • Thorough patient history is crucial for diagnosing and managing recurrent URIs.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To discuss the etiology, incidence, and therapeutic strategies for recurrent respiratory infections in children.
    • To evaluate the efficacy of various treatments, including sodium cromoglycate.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of history, age incidence, etiology, and therapy for recurrent respiratory infections.
    • Analysis of data from 32 pediatric patients.
    • Assessment of treatments including sulfonamides, tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy, respiratory vaccines, and sodium cromoglycate.

    Main Results:

    • Sulfonamide prophylaxis, tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy, and respiratory vaccines were discussed as potential therapies.
    • Sodium cromoglycate was trialed in 32 children, with approximately 60% showing improvement within ten days.
    • Repeated infections may lead to respiratory tract mucosal sensitization and histamine release.

    Conclusions:

    • Effective management strategies for recurrent pediatric respiratory infections exist.
    • Sodium cromoglycate offers a promising therapeutic option for children unresponsive to other treatments.
    • Understanding the pathophysiology, including potential histamine release, aids in treatment selection.

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