Respiratory tract infections in children are a very common ailment, especially for children in school and nursery school. In respiratory tract infections, it is very important to wear a mask, disinfect hands, pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene in order to prevent contagiousness. It is necessary to provide hygiene education to children by parents, to control high fever and to consume plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Respiratory tract infections are examined in two groups as upper and lower respiratory tract. Upper respiratory tract infections The upper respiratory tract is the nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx.

Sinuses refer to the entire upper respiratory system, including the throat area. Runny nose, sore throat and cough etc. complaints appear. Diseases such as common cold, epiglottitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis (sore throat), sinusitis (sinus infection) are upper respiratory tract infections. Epiglottitis is a disease caused by inflammation of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is at the bottom of the tongue. Its function here is to prevent nutrients and fluids from descending into the lungs. Epiglottitis in children can cause fever, sore throat, wheezing, etc. accompanying symptoms. Pharyngitis is an upper respiratory tract infection with symptoms such as dry cough and burning in the throat, which is frequently seen especially in children during the winter months. Sinusitis is one of the most common upper respiratory tract infections in children, where nasal congestion and discharge are experienced intensely.

Symptoms such as intense rhinorrhea, green or yellow nasal discharge and headache are seen in children. Croup (laryngitis or bird palsy) is a common upper respiratory tract infection in children. It is caused by swelling and inflammation of the larynx. It starts with a hoarse and rough cough. For the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, primarily physical examination is performed. In the physical examination, heart and lung listening, throat and ear control etc. by the doctor. General health status is determined by examinations. If the doctor deems it necessary, additional tests such as blood test and chest X-ray, allergy test may be requested. The treatment process is generally carried out with drug support, initiation of antibiotics, and oxygen support if necessary. Depending on the severity of the disease, hospital care may be required.

Lower respiratory tract infections General examination of the pediatrician in respiratory tract infections, measurement of fever, inflammation in the ears, etc. Examination is performed in the form of detection of conditions, listening to the lungs and heart, and resting abdominal movements. If the doctor deems it necessary, he conducts the treatment process of the disease by requesting a blood test and chest X-ray. In children younger than three years of age, cough, runny nose, and weakness are common with mild fever. Children older than three years have a higher fever (40◦). The lower airways are the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Diseases such as chest infection, bronchiolitis (a lung infection usually seen in children), and inflammation of the lungs are lower respiratory tract infections. Bronchiolitis can be defined as inflammation of the lining of the bronchioles. It is frequently seen in children between the 2nd and 24th months. They are very small passageways through which air travels to the lungs. These passages are narrower in infants. Here, narrowing occurs as a result of inflammation. The treatment process is carried out with oxygen support, antibiotics and fluid support. Pneumonia is caused by inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs.

It is a disease that occurs as a result of inflammation of the bronchioles and alveoli. It is mostly seen in children at the age of 2-3 years. In lower respiratory tract infections, outpatient treatment should be given to children and in case of progression of the disease, hospitalization should be provided, and the treatment and care process should be carried out with the support of a professional healthcare team.