URTI is the general name for infections involving the nose, throat, tonsils, sinuses and middle ear. The common cold, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and middle ear inflammation all fall under this heading. It is the most common reason for visits in pediatric care.

Why Is It So Common?

A child's immune system is only just becoming acquainted with viruses; the daycare and school environment, indoor settings and hand contact make transmission easy. Having 6–10 URTI episodes per year in the preschool period is considered normal.

Virus or Bacteria?

About 80–90% of URTIs are viral and do not require antibiotics. Situations that suggest a bacterial infection include:

  • Fever above 38.5°C lasting longer than 3 days
  • White inflammatory patches in the throat + swelling of the neck lymph nodes (suspicion of strep)
  • Nasal discharge that exceeds 10 days and does not improve (sinusitis)
  • Otitis findings on examination together with ear pain

Unnecessary antibiotic use leads to resistance and disrupts the child's intestinal flora; for this reason, in our clinic the distinction is made when needed using throat culture and rapid tests.

Support at Home

Plenty of fluids, nasal cleaning, rest, a smoke-free environment and, when needed, a fever reducer are sufficient for most URTIs.