Infección respiratoria aguda en niños menores de 5 años en Latinoamérica

Abstract

Introduction: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) are caused by different microorganisms, their signs and symptoms will appear suddenly in a period of approximately 10 to 15 days, mostly affecting children under 5 years old. Objective: To present the scientific evidence with the greatest impact on acute respiratory infections. Methodology: A narrative literature review was conducted by accessing scientific databases, Scopus, ProQuest, Taylor & Francis, Pubmed, Redalyc, Scielo, Dialnet. Furthermore, scientific documents from institutional health pages, Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health (MSP, in Spanish), Ministry of Health of Peru, Government of Mexico, Pan American Health Organization "Ecuador" (PAHO), Ministry of Health of Colombia, World Health Organization. Results: There is evidence of few studies despite being a pathology that causes high mortality. Complications among them pneumonia, pharyngitis, bronchiolitis of viral origin are the most common. The risk factors that stand out are determinants derived from poverty and malnutrition. Antimicrobial treatment and self-medication are evident. Vaccination as a nursing strategy in conjunction with maternal education is developed in various settings. Conclusion: The prevalence of ARI in Latin America is high. If they are not treated in due time, they increase mortality in this vulnerable age group and increase costs for the health system. The number and consequences of these complications could be avoided with health prevention and maternal education. Keywords: respiratory infections, latin america, children, risk factors, complications