Vol. 13, Issue 8 (2024)

Background: One of the worst health issues, acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) is a major factor in both morbidity and mortality among children in many underdeveloped nations. acute respiratory tract infections can be categorized according to which parts are involved to Upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Viral infections cause the vast majority of URIs. Between 25 and 30 percent of URIs are caused by rhinoviruses. Pneumonia and bronchiolitis are the most prevalent LRIs in children.

Materials and Methods: The study involved 100 children (males and females under two years) who admitted at Al-Zahraa teaching hospital in Wasit province between January 2022 and April 2022.Children who complained from acute respiratory tract infection were involved in this study.

Results: There is no significant difference between mood of delivery and NICU admission. Also, the vaccination status showed no relation to NICU admission. Type of feeding was not related to NICU admission. Cough was the most frequent symptom in our study (90%), and shortness of breath (68%) was the second most common symptom, followed by wheeze, retraction and fever.

Conclusion: Prevalence of acute respiratory tract infection in children under age of 2 years in Wasit province was higher in urban area and term baby delivery and slightly more in female. Cough, shortness of breath and wheeze was the most common clinical manifestation. Incidence of NICU admission not affected by Immunization status. Rate of acute RTI appear to increase in crowded house environment. Therefore, to improve outcome of patients with ARIs timely detection and proper management and treatment as well as reducing other contributing factors are essentials.