Sore throat in a child with reсurrent respiratory infections: a pediatrician's algorithm

Acute respiratory infections are a common reason to visit a pediatrician. At the same time, repeated episodes of respiratory infections which are more typical in preschool children are of particular concern. The paper highlights different approaches to define recurrent respiratory infections. Among symptoms of acute respiratory infections (including recurrent ones), a sore throat is especially distinguished. It significantly reduces a patient's quality of life and impairs well-being. Although sore throat can be induced by various diseases, acute tonsillopharyngitis is the most common cause. The authors' own clinical case reports are presented to exemplify the statement. However, it is necessary to remember other causes of pain syndrome such as abscess, epiglottitis, infections, tumors, GERD, PFAPA syndrome, Lemierre's syndrome etc. A pediatrician must keep the "red flags" (alarm symptoms) associated with sore throat that require urgent hospitalization and diagnosis specification, in mind. Prescription of antibacterial drugs should be rational in children with sore throat. If a bacterial infection is ruled out, NSAID-containing topical agents are preferred therapy in patients with moderate pain. Benzydamine hydrochloride has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial effects, and it is one of the drugs of choice to treat sore throat in children. KEYWORDS: sore throat, recurrent respiratory infections, children, benzydamine. FOR CITATION: Lokshina E.E., Zaitseva O.V., Striga E.V., Belyaeva T.Yu., Antonenko A.N. Sore throat in a child with reсurrent respiratory infections: a pediatrician's algorithm. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2025;8(2):166–172 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430- 2025-8-2-12