Clinical Signs and Diagnostic Tests in Acute Respiratory Infections

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate clinical manifestations of acute respiratory system infectious diseases and specific tests for causative agents in pediatric patients. Methods The authors evaluated children aged 0-16 y with clinical symptoms of acute respiratory tract infections who were administered rapid strep A test and/or throat culture test and/or respiratory viral panel test, from February 2012 through January 2013 at pediatric department of Acibadem Maslak Hospital, Turkey. Results A total of 1654 patients were evaluated

45.9 \% were girls, 54.1 \% were boys. Absence of cough and presence of headache were higher in the patients >6 y of age (p 0.0001, p 0.002 respectively). Positive respiratory viral panel test was higher in the patients <2 y of age (p 0.002). Both positive rapid strep A test and positive throat culture test were higher in the patients > 6 y of age (p 0.0001). Positivity of rapid strep A or throat culture test were not observed in children <2 y of age. Conclusions A clinician should mostly consider viral infections in the etiology of acute respiratory infections in children under 2 y of age and there is no need to rush for the use antibiotherapy. Bacterial etiology should be frequently considered after 6 y of age and rapid use of antibiotheraphy is essential to avoid the complications.