David L. Goldman, MD, 2016. "Recurrent Infections (Chapter 187)", American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care, Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP, Henry M. Adam, MD, FAAP, Deborah E. Campbell, MD, FAAP, Thomas G. DeWitt, MD, FAAP, Jane Meschan Foy, MD, FAAP, Deepak M. Kamat, MD, PhD, FAAP, Rebecca Baum, MD, FAAP, Kelly J. Kelleher, MD, MPH, FAAP
Download citation file:
Pediatric primary care physicians frequently encounter children who have recurrent infections, most of whom are otherwise healthy. Reassuring the parents of these children that no underlying abnormality exists is particularly important. Much less commonly, recurrent infections are a sign of an underlying, possibly immunologic, disorder. Early identification of these children is critical because prompt intervention can decrease morbidity and mortality.
Generally, healthy children experience 6 to 8 upper respiratory tract infections per year in the first few years of life.1 However, up to 15 infections per year can still be within the normal range. The high frequency of infections...