New Estimates of Symptom Duration in Kids with Respiratory Infections

By Amy Orciari Herman

A systematic review in BMJ provides new estimates of how long symptoms last in children with acute respiratory tract infections. The researchers call for "widespread dissemination" of their findings to improve both parent and provider awareness.

The review included some 50 randomized or observational studies in which children presenting to primary care or emergency settings with acute respiratory infections received no treatment, placebo, or over-the-counter medications. Among the findings:

• Earache resolved by day 3 in 50% of children and by days 7 or 8 in 90%.

• Cough resolved by day 10 in 50% and by day 25 in 90%.

• Croup resolved on day 1 in 50% and by day 2 in 80%.

• Bronchiolitis resolved by day 13 in 50% and by about day 21 in 90%.

• The common cold resolved by day 10 in 50% and by roughly day 15 in 90%.

• Sore throat generally lasted 2 to 7 days.