Upper Respiratory Morbidity in Preschool Children

Abstract

In preschool children, acute otitis media, tonsillopharyngitis, and common cold were quite common, while chronic rhinitis was less prevalent and strongly associated with atopic disease. Attendance at day care centers increased the risk of upper respiratory tract infections in this age group, although the effect was weaker than that in younger children.

Recurrent otitis media and tonsillitis: common disease predisposition

“…The phenotypic correlation was 0.42 between otitis media and tonsillitis in these data and is rather high compared to other studies which reported 0.18 [4] and 0.19 [5]. One study [5] was based on Dutch children who were clinically screened every 3 months between their second and fourth birthday.…”

“…In addition, a prospective study of preschool children [5] suggested that tonsillar infections accompany common colds in some children, while others seem to be predisposed to subsequent middle ear disease. Kvaerner et al reported a moderate but significant association between recurrent otitis media and tonsillitis both in a cross-sectional study of preschool children [4] and a in a retrospective questionnairebased study of Norwegian twins [3]. These analyses, using twin data from a sub sample of the present study population, did not explore the extent to which the association between otitis media and tonsillitis was attributable to common genetic or environmental factors.…”

Apparent Contrasting Rates of Pharyngitis and Pyoderma in Regions where Rheumatic Heart Disease is Highly Prevalent

“…19 The high reported rate of sore throat in the Central Australian community (480 per 100 person years) contrasts markedly with that of the Top End communities and is more in keeping with rates from cooler European climates. 20,21 Although it was also in keeping with studies in temperate climates, little else can be inferred about the incidence of GAS pharyngitis in children because there were so few cases. Nevertheless, in the Top End there were no confirmed of sore through and GAS from 2694 consultations in children <15 years.…”

Otitis media surgery: Large variability between Finland and Norway

“…The extent of improved hearing on development of speech, language, cognition and social behaviour is not easily gauged [26]. Additionally, parental demand for quick illness recovery in children may influence the decision-making process and timing for surgery, as demonstrated by Kvaerner et al [27]. Unfortunately, our data and study design do not enable us to explore the latter.…”