These symptoms should have lasted at least two to three days.
Children, especially preschool children, may have as many as seven to tencolds per year.
That said, there is not a universally held definition of recurrent respiratory infections in children.
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In developing countries, the story is grim.
Recurrent respiratory tract infections are thought to result in 2 million deaths yearly.
Symptoms of respiratory tract infections may include fussiness, refusing to eat, lethargy, and more.
Your intuition as a parent is very important, as you are familiar with how your child normally behaves.
Most pediatricians have learned to listen to a parent’s concern above anything else.
A reduction in lung function is a serious concern with recurrent lower respiratory tract infections.
Antibiotic use can also lead to resistance.
Emotionally, recurrent infections can affect the whole family.
Missing school can result in a child falling behind, and the emotions that follow.
They can change family dynamics.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors (not underlying causes).
That immunizations are available for several of these infections emphasizes the importance of vaccinations in children.
They most commonly present between the ages of 6 months and 2 yearsafter maternal antibodies are no longer present.
It’s important to note, however, that very often a clear cause is not found.
But when might a further evaluation be needed?
History
A careful history is often the most important part of a workup for repeated infections.
This should include a detailed account of infections in the past, including the severity and treatments used.
A family history is also very important.
Physical Exam
There are several things doctors look for when examining a child with recurrent infections.
Judicious antibiotic treatment is needed when secondary infections occur.
For children with immunodeficiency syndromes, treatment may include immunoglobulin (such as IM or IV gammaglobulin).
Synagis and Beyfortus are not vaccines, and cannot cure or treat a child already diagnosed with RSV.
Importantly, trust your gut as a parent.
If you believe something is wrong, speak up.
There is no blood test or X-ray study that can equal a parent’s intuition in medicine.
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