Topical decongestants in combination therapy of acute respiratory infections in children (a literature review)

Acute respiratory infections are a serious public health problem due to very high incidence and a serious economic burden. They account for about 90% of all infectious diseases and 70% of childhood diseases. About ¼ of the total health care costs are associated with the diagnosis and treatment of acute respiratory infections. Though the disease is often moderate and has a good prognosis, it can significantly affect the well-being of children and interfere with their activities of daily living. [1-2]. In most cases (about 95%), acute respiratory infections are caused by a variety of viruses - influenza and parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial, adenovirus, rhinovirus, coronavirus, enterovirus, with the total number of etiological serotypes exceeding180. [1] The significant incidence of acute respiratory infection (ARI) is conditioned by several factors: high susceptibility of children (especially young children), variety of pathogens, as well as air-borne transmission and high contagiousness. [3