Treatment of the most common respiratory infections in children

Abstract

Acute respiratory infections are the most common group of infective diseases in the pediatric population. Although the improvement of health care and vaccination program has led to a significant reduction in the incidence of certain respiratory infections, the combination of a high prevalence in vulnerable pediatric categories and uncritical prescription of antibiotics, due to the inability to adequately distinguish between viruses and bacterial etiology, still represents a significant challenge for the public health system. In order to promote rational antibiotic therapy with an overall improvement of both diagnostic and therapeutic principles, acute respiratory diseases have been the subject of consideration in numerous publications and national guidelines. Nonspecific clinical manifestations with pathogen heterogeneity and both anatomical and physiological characteristics of the child's respiratory system during growth and development have created the need for individualized therapy. Since the guidelines emphasize the undoubtful and crucial benefits of symptomatic therapy (e.g. analgesics in acute otitis media, supplemental oxygen in lower respiratory tract infections with hypoxemia), the use of antibiotics and corticosteroids is indicated in selected cases with a severe clinical picture. The choice of antibiotic depends on the clinical condition, presumed causative agent, and local epidemiologic circumstances. Respiratory support (oxygen therapy and/or artificial ventilation) is reserved for inpatient treatment of cases with a particularly severe clinical picture and associated complications.

SARS-CoV-2-related bronchiolitis: a multicentre international study

“…This decision is often made on an individual basis and/or single-centre protocols, as previously reported. 25 However, the frequency of their administration did not appear to be affected by the viral tests result. Infants positive for SARS-CoV-2 did not undergo more diagnostic tests, nor receive more pharmacological therapies than patients with bronchiolitis associated with other viruses.…”

Echinacea purpurea: An overview of mechanism, efficacy, and safety in pediatric upper respiratory infections and otitis media

“…Conventional treatments for pediatric URIs and OM primarily focus on symptomatic relief and, in the case of bacterial infections, antibiotic therapy. However, concerns regarding antibiotic overuse, antimicrobial resistance, and adverse effects suggest the need for alternative, non-pharmacological interventions that are safe, effective, and well-tolerated in children (Basa & Sovtić, 2022;Marchisio et al, 2019).…”

“…Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties may alleviate symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, and coughing, further enhancing the patient's comfort and well-being (Meeran et al, 2021). Moreover, E. purpurea has shown potential in reducing the incidence and severity of otitis media, a common complication of URIs in children (Basa & Sovtić, 2022;Venekamp et al, 2020). By strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation in the middle ear, E. purpurea may help prevent the progression of URIs to otitis media and mitigate its symptoms (Ogal et al, 2021).…”