[Infectious respiratory emergencies in children].

Respiratory infections that may prove fatal for young children without swift and energetic emergency treatment are described. Respiratory infections, along with diarrhea, continue to be a major cause of infant mortality. Six characteristic conditions are addressed: three pulmonary infections and 3 tracheo-laryngeal infections. Each condition is described; its clinical signs are outlined; the course of the disease, possible complications, and signs of gravity are discussed; and treatments are recommended, with second choices indicated. The three pulmonary infections described are pleuro-pulmonary staphylococcus, severe whooping cough, and acute tuberculosis. The tracheo-laryngeal infections are epiglottitis, staphylococcal laryngeo-tracheitis, and acute tonsillitis.