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.
upper airway tract infections; respiratory viruses