MODERN VIEWS ON THE COURSE OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are among the most common diseases affecting children worldwide and represent a major cause of morbidity, hospitalization, and healthcare utilization. These infections involve both the upper and lower respiratory tract and are caused by a wide range of viral and bacterial pathogens. Recent advances in pediatric medicine and molecular diagnostics have significantly improved our understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical course of ARIs in children. Modern studies emphasize the role of viral predominance, host immune responses, environmental risk factors, and coinfections in determining disease severity and outcomes. This article reviews contemporary perspectives on the course of acute respiratory infections in children, including etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, complications, treatment strategies, and prevention methods.