Normal children may have up to 8 upper respiratory tract infections (URI's) per year. Some sources state that up to 12 URI's per year may be normal, especially for children in daycare. Even though this may be normal, parents often become worried when their child is sick as frequently as once per month. So when should parents and pediatricians worry? Does your child have an abnormal immune system? Could this be asthma? Could this be another chronic illness? Should my child have an x-ray or bloodwork? The purpose of this article is to explore an approach to these common questions.
How often does a normal child get sick?
Upper respiratory tract infections (a.k.a., colds, URI's) are the most common illness of children. Normal, healthy children have an average of 6 to 8 URI's per year. This is just an average... some kids, especially those in daycare or school, may get sick as frequently as once per month. These infections are typically caused by a virus, are mild, don't need medicines to get better, and last less than a week.
What is a URI?
In simple terms, a URI is a "cold." URI's may also cause a sore throat, ear infections, runny or stuffy nose, cough or sneezing, or some combination of these symptoms. The sinuses, tonsils, adenoids, nose, ears, mouth and throat are all connected by tubes, so viruses can easily pass from one area to the other.
