Evaluation of management strategies for viral upper respiratory tract infections among pediatricians in Türkiye

Background: To evaluate how pediatricians manage viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children and their tendencies about the viral URTIs approaches. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted among pediatricians who participated in a descriptive cross-sectional survey. The survey included pediatricians who were willing to participate and who completed the survey forms between June 2023 and February 2024. The survey gathered data on the demographic characteristics of the pediatricians, as well as their diagnostic and treatment approaches for viral URTIs. Demographic data included the physicians’ gender, age, academic title, province of duty, institution of practice, and duration of experience in pediatrics. Results: This study involved 203 pediatricians. The diagnosis of viral URTI based on clinical findings had a negative correlation with pediatricians’ work experience (OR: 0.96 per year) and was more common among those working in private settings (OR: 0.38). Use of medications for symptomatic cough treatment was 2.72 times higher among pediatricians in private practice. Herbal supplement use was more common among pediatricians in private practice (p = 0.021) and those with ≥10 years of experience (p = 0.010). Systemic decongestant use was more frequent among pediatricians without an academic title (p = 0.030). Pelargonium sidoides root extract was used more often by pediatricians in private practice (p = 0.003), and they also preferred honey-containing supplements more frequently (p < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between experience in pediatric practice and multivitamins and minerals prescriptions for prevention of viral URTIs (OR: 0.97 for each year). Conclusion: Pediatricians in private settings and with more experience tend not to make a diagnosis of viral URTIs solely based on physical examination. Pediatricians working in private settings focus more on treatments that relieve cough symptoms. A viral URTI diagnostic and treatment algorithm with proven validity will help physicians in clinical diagnosis and treatment.