Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

This collection features AFP content deemed current by the AFP online medical editor on upper respiratory tract infections and related issues, including acute bronchitis, acute rhinosinusitis, bronchiolitis, common cold, croup, pharyngitis, rhinosinusitis, streptococcal pharyngitis, and strep throat. New research may affect the interpretation and application of this material. Clinical judgment is advised. Note that AFP content published within the past 12 months is accessible to AAFP members and paid subscribers only.

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Last Update: 03/14/2013

Overview Screening and Diagnosis Prevention Treatment

Editorials and Letters Improving Practice Patient Education, Self-Care

Overview

• IDSA Releases Guidelines for Management of Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis [Practice Guidelines] (03/15/2013)
• Acute Rhinosinusitis in Adults (05/01/2011)
• Croup: An Overview (05/01/2011)
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Bronchitis (12/01/2010)
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Streptococcal Pharyngitis (03/01/2009)
• Pharyngitis (03/15/2004)
• Diagnosis and Management of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis [Practice Guidelines] (02/15/2003)
• Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Rhinosinusitis in Adults [Practice Guidelines] (12/01/2007)
• AAP Publishes Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Management of Bronchiolitis [Practice Guidelines] (01/15/2007)

Screening and Diagnosis

• Risk Stratification of Children with Bronchiolitis [Point-of-Care Guides] (08/01/2012)
• Usefulness of Procalcitonin Measurement in Reducing Antibiotic Use and Identifying Serious Bacterial Illness [AFP Journal Club] (07/15/2011)
• Strep Throat [Point-of-Care Guides] (09/01/2003)

Prevention

• AAP Updates Guidelines on Immunoprophylaxis for RSV Infection [Practice Guidelines] (09/01/2010)

Treatment

• Oral Antihistamine/Decongestant/Analgesic Combinations for the Common Cold [Cochrane for Clinicians] (11/01/2012)
• Antibiotic Use in Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (11/01/2012)
• Treatment of the Common Cold in Children and Adults (07/15/2012)
• Common Cold [Clinical Evidence Handbook] (12/15/2011)
• Effectiveness of Bronchodilators for Bronchiolitis Treatment [Cochrane for Clinicians] (05/01/2011)
• Antibiotics for Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries] (03/15/2011)
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Children (01/15/2011)
• Saline Nasal Irrigation for Upper Respiratory Conditions (11/15/2009)
• Antibiotics for Acute Maxillary Sinusitis [Cochrane for Clinicians] (05/01/2009)
• Sinusitis (Acute) [Clinical Evidence Handbook] (02/15/2009)
• Radiologic Imaging in the Management of Sinusitis (11/15/2002)
• AAP Issues Recommendations for the Management of Sinusitis in Children [Practice Guidelines] (03/15/2002)
• Bronchitis (Acute) [Clinical Evidence Handbook] (08/01/2004)
• Antihistamines for the Common Cold [Cochrane for Clinicians] (08/01/2004)
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infection [Clinical Evidence Handbook] (12/01/2002)
• Should We Prescribe Antibiotics for Acute Bronchitis? [Cochrane for Clinicians] (07/01/2001)

Editorials and Letters

• Appropriate Antibiotic Use: Family Physicians Have the Power of the Pen [Editorials] (11/01/2012)
• Avoiding Sore Throat Morbidity and Mortality: When Is It Not "Just a Sore Throat?" [Editorials] (01/01/2011)

Improving Practice

From Family Practice Managment

AAFP's Journal of Practice Improvement

• A Tool for Evaluating Patients With Cold Symptoms (10/01/2004)

Patient Education, Self-Care

• Treating the Common Cold in Children (07/15/2012)
• Treating the Common Cold in Adults (07/15/2012)
• Sinus Infections (Sinusitis) (05/01/2011)
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (01/15/2011)
• Treatment of Bronchitis (12/01/2010)

From FamilyDoctor.org

AAFP's Patient Education Resource

• Colds and the Flu: Respiratory Infections During Pregnancy
• Bronchiolitis
• Sinusitis