The most common upper respiratory tract infections in children

Upper respiratory tract infections are very common in childhood with some, such as otitis media, having a significant prevalence; it is reported that up to 84 % of individuals under three years of age experience at least one episode of middle ear inflammation. Other conditions, such as acute epiglottitis, are very rare but extremely dangerous and require transport to a specialized centre where emergency airway management is available. The majority of catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract are infections that require basic diagnostic knowledge and strategies. (author)