Prevention of recurrent respiratory infections Inter-society Consensus

Recurrent respiratory infections (RRIs) are a common clinical condition in children, in fact about 25% of children under 1 year and 6% of children during the first 6 years of life have RRIs. In most cases, infections occur with mild clinical manifestations and the frequency of episodes tends to decrease over time with a complete resolution by 12 years of age. However, RRIs significantly reduce child and family quality of life and lead to significant medical and social costs. Despite the importance of this condition, there is currently no agreed definition of the term RRIs in the literature, especially concerning the frequency and type of infectious episodes to be considered. The aim of this consensus document is to propose an updated definition and provide recommendations with the intent of guiding the physician in the complex process of diagnosis, management and prevention of RRIs.

Automated summary

Recurrent respiratory infections (RRIs) are a common clinical condition in children, affecting child and family quality of life, and leading to significant medical and social costs. Despite the lack of consensus on the definition of RRIs, this consensus document proposes an updated definition and recommendations to guide physicians in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of RRIs.