الفهرس 
INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) including acute otitis media (AOM) and
tonsillitis/pharyngitis are the commonest childhood illnesses. These infections are mostly
of viral etiology not generally life threatening, but can cause significant discomfort and
may have serious sequelae if not treated appropriately.
In 1995, upper respiratory tract infections were the most frequent reason for seeking
ambulatory care in the United States, resulting in more than 37 million visits to physician
practices and emergency departments. Children under 5 years of age and cared for at home
by their mother, suffer up to six URTI a year, with a greater incidence in those under 2
years of age.
A number of programs, in WHO and UNICEF with the Division of Child Health and
Development, have collaborated in developing a single efficient approach in managing
childhood illness which is described as integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI)
for application in the majority of developing countries where infant mortality is > 40 per
1000 live births. Recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and follow up of URTI in
children including rational antibiotic use have been formulated internationally.
In Egypt, the Ministry of Health and Population adopted the IMCI strategy in 1997
and included it in the basic package of services to be delivered at the primary health care
facilities.
Understanding of the epidemiological and clinical profile of upper respiratory tract
infections in children attending family health units and evaluation of the behaviour of
physicians as regard the use of antibiotics for treatment of these infections are needed.