Recurrent lower respiratory tract infections in children

### What you need to know Acute respiratory infections account for about a third of all paediatric consultations to primary care and 8-18% of acute hospital admissions in the UK.12 Children, especially preschool children, may have up to 6-10 viral colds a year.13 Parents often seek reassurance that all is well, or they may have concerns about a serious illness, sometimes prompted by the family history or a disturbing diagnosis in a friend’s child (see Patient’s perspective box). Sleep disturbance and the time carers may have to be away from work can lead to stress and impaired quality of life. When consulting with families, distinguish children with recurrent self limiting or minor problems—the majority of cases—from those with a more serious underlying condition who may need investigation and treatment. Differentiate lower and upper respiratory tract infections, which may be difficult because symptoms and signs overlap and both may be present at the same time.34 This article presents a practical approach to diagnosis and management of the otherwise apparently healthy child with recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. Acute respiratory infections and the management of children with …