Abstract

Acute upper respiratory illnesses are the most common respiratory infections in both adults and children. These are diseases that are transmitted from one person to another. They spread through the air during coughing, sneezing and talking. In groups of children, infections may also spread through contact with saliva or nasal secretions. This can happen when a hand or object touches the mouth or nose of the infected child and later transfers the infection to another child. Children often spread respiratory diseases during the incubation period. Sometimes a child or an adult spreads the disease without even getting ill himself. Most upper respiratory disease runs a mild course and ends without treatment at all, or only symptomatic treatment. Respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract producing the same symptoms are caused by various viruses and bacteria. Cough is an important sign of the disease. This article describes the various diseases of the upper respiratory tract, the role of nurses with the hospitalized children, and how parents can help children in the home environment.

Key words: child, nursing sister, health care, upper respiratory tract disease.