Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs)

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs)

Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI): What is it?

Definition

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are by far the most common illnesses affecting children.

They usually take the form of a cold or the flu, and are often associated with other conditions, such as ear infections, bronchitis, sinus infections, sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion.

In some cases, the infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, resulting in bronchiolitis, pulmonary infection, or pneumonia.

Read the following fact sheets to learn about the symptoms of each of these conditions and how to treat them:

Streptococcal angina

Bronchiolitis

COVID-19

Laryngitis

Sore throat

Blocked nose

Otitis

Pharyngitis (tonsillitis)

Pneumonia

Colds and flu

Cough

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Naître et grandir

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