Evidence-based guidelines are needed to harmonise and improve the diagnostics and

treatment of children‘s lower respiratory tract infections. Following a professional literature

search, an interdisciplinary working group evaluated and graded the available evidence and

constructed guidelines for treating laryngitis, bronchitis, wheezing bronchitis and

bronchiolitis.

Conclusion

Currently available drugs were not effective in relieving cough symptoms.

Salbutamol inhalations could relieve the symptoms of wheezing bronchitis and should be

administered via a holding chamber. Nebulised adrenaline or inhaled or oral

glucocorticoids did not reduce hospitalisation rates or relieve symptoms in infants with

bronchiolitis and should not be routinely used.