Abstract

PITREZ, Paulo M.C.  and  PITREZ, José L.B.. Acute upper respiratory tract infections: outpatient diagnosis and treatment. J. Pediatr. (Rio J.) [online]. 2003, vol.79, suppl.1, pp. S77-S86. ISSN 0021-7557.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0021-75572003000700009.

OBJECTIVE: to present an updated review of the most common upper respiratory infections (URI) in children seen by the pediatrician in outpatient clinics, for better diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. SOURCES OF DATA: references from Medline database were reviewed. The most relevant articles were selected. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: acute rhinopharyngitis, sinusitis, streptococcal tonsillitis and viral croup are presented in a concise and critical view. Differential and etiological diagnosis limitations and the abusive use of antimicrobials in these illnesses are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS: URI are the most common cause of visits to pediatrician clinics. Therefore, update and critical concepts, as well as references are essential for a proper management of these illnesses, decreasing the indication of unnecessary diagnostic tests and avoiding non-effective and harmful treatments.

Keywords : upper airway tract infections; respiratory viruses.