[Acute upper respiratory tract infections: outpatient diagnosis and treatment].

OBJECTIVE To present an updated review of the most common upper respiratory infections (URI) in children seen by the pediatrician in outpatient clinics, for better diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. SOURCES References from Medline database were reviewed. The most relevant articles were selected. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS Acute rhinopharyngitis, sinusitis, streptococcal tonsillitis and viral croup are presented in a concise and critical view. Differential and etiological diagnosis limitations and the abusive use of antimicrobials in these illnesses are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS URI are the most common cause of visits to pediatrician clinics. Therefore, update and critical concepts, as well as references are essential for a proper management of these illnesses, decreasing the indication of unnecessary diagnostic tests and avoiding non-effective and harmful treatments.