Upper Respiratory Infection

Upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) are common in children, with most children experiencing six to eight episodes per year. Some evidence suggests that the airway reactivity associated with these infections persists for several weeks after resolution of symptoms and increases the risk of perioperative adverse events. Other data indicate that these complications are easily managed and seldom associated with any adverse sequelae. Unfortunately, cancellation of patients harboring URIs is not without economic and emotional implications for the patient, the family, and the operating suite as a whole. Understanding the risk factors associated with administering anesthesia to the child with a URI is important in identifying elements of the preoperative assessment that merit attention and in optimizing the anesthetic plan as a means to limit perioperative complications.