Respiratory diseases

Abstract

This is extremely common in young children and many younger children get up to six or more infections a year. All ages are vulnerable but there are certain peaks of incidence at different ages as well as seasonal variance. The toddler beginning to socialize with older children is readily susceptible, as is the child who is just beginning school. Some children, like adults, are more vulnerable to infection than others and social circumstances also play a part, including overcrowding, smoking habits in the household and stress. Many parents seek advice thinking that something is wrong with their child and wanting advice on prevention. It is possible that such pressures bend some doctors into prolific prescription of antibiotics which, in fact, are seldom indicated.