Respiratory tract infections (RTIs), including community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), bronchiolitis, viral-induced wheeze and croup, account for more primary care consultations than any other illness group and are the most likely reason for a parent or carer to contact a health professional. Nurses are well placed to reassure and support families, and to provide education regarding the facts about fever, the appropriate use of a single antipyretic medication, how to avoid dehydration in children with RTIs, and the beneficial role of immunisation in preventing infection. In this article, an illustrative case study is included to highlight some of the challenges that are likely to be encountered in clinical practice.

Catherine Schuster Bruce - Foundation Trainee Year 1, Royal London Hospital

Clare Hoare - Paediatric Respiratory and Allergy Nurse, Torbay Hospital, Torquay

Atanu Mukherjee - Consultant Paediatrician, Torbay Hospital, Torquay

Siba Prosad Paul - Consultant Paediatrician, Torbay Hospital, Torquay