Evaluating the Child with Recurrent Infections

This chapter discusses the background, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for recurrent infections. Recurrent infections are defined as infections that occur too frequently in number. The infections are too severe, or last too long (chronic), and sometimes even one infection with an unusual pathogen could warrant an immune evaluation. Severe infections are those that fail to respond to oral antibiotics, require hospitalization, or involve unusual pathogens. Chronic infections fail to respond to treatment and often require prophylactic antibiotics. The main causes of recurrent and chronic infections in children include atopic disorders, anatomic and functional defects, and primary or secondary immunodeficiency. Careful attention to the medical history and physical examination help differentiate healthy children from those with underlying disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the quality of life for these children. For children suspected to have a primary immunodeficiency, prompt referral to an immunologist provides life-saving treatment.