A study of diagnosis and treatment process of upper respiratory tract infections in children for community health centers in China

Objective Through the preliminary investigation and literature search, it is found that the community doctors in Xian and even the national specialists have insufficient understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of the upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in child, which leads to the blindness of therapy such as repeated medication, improper combination of drugs and excessive use of antiviral and antibiotics, etc. All of these lead to the result that some community hospitals were not able to fully assume the responsibility for the first diagnosis of URTIs in child. The current pediatric diagnosis and treatment process for URTIs is aimed at pediatric specialists; there are no complete rules and procedures suitable for general practitioner (GP). In order to enhance the ability of general practitioners, there is an urgent need for the diagnosis and treatment of URTIs in children. The aim of this paper is to summarize the diagnosis, treatment and management process of URTIs in children which could be applicable in community health centers in China. Methods Seven items of the latest guidelines, norms or expert consensus about the diagnosis and therapy of URTIs in children both from domestic areas and foreign countries were involved in. Upon general practitioner jobs, all of them were compared and analyzed according to the following four-dimension, such as diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, treatment principles and rational administration, etc. Results The process for diagnosis, treatment and management of URTIs in children suitable for General Physicians in community health centers were formed. Conclusion Following this process, an overall assessment of URTIs in children should be given by the first visited GPs, appropriated therapy could be provided depending on the different varieties, severity and course of URTIs. For the patients in acute period, the priority of therapy should be given to symptomatic treatment on the basis of clinical observation. Antibiotics can only be used if there is at least a proper indication for it. Children with influenza should accept antiviral drugs as early as possible.