At a glance: respiratory tract infections in children.

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are one of the most common presentations to child health professionals. It is important that community practitioners are able to distinguish serious RTIs from those which can be managed in the community with advice and reassurance. Common respiratory symptoms include cough, wheeze, fever, tachypnoea and stridor. This paper aims to identify the common presentations of RTIs seen in children. A discussion on asthma with relevance to RTIs is also included. The red flag indicators and children from high risk groups should be identified while assessing a child with suspected RTI and an early referral to a medical professional should be initiated. Community practitioners should be able to reassure parents and educate them on signs of deterioration when the management of a child with RTI is considered appropriate in the community.