Practical Approach for the Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management of Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Children: Report from an Expert Closed-group Discussion

Abstract

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are one of the most common infections in childhood. Due to the weaning of maternal immunity during the first year of life and relative immaturity of the immune system, children in the age group of 6 months to 6 years are predisposed to RTIs. Several guidelines are available from western countries on the diagnosis and management of RRTIs. However, owing to the economic, nutritional, environmental, geographic, and social diversity of India, the practical approach to RRTIs, especially, the recurrent URTIs, is likely to differ warranting the need for local guidelines. This expert consensus offers a practical guide for the diagnosis, prevention, and management of recurrent URTIs in pediatric outpatient settings in India.