[Strategy for preventing upper respiratory tract infections. Consensus of the Consulting Committee].

Epidemiological, biological and clinical studies have shown that viral respiratory infections before the age of 3 years play a crucial role in the later development of rhinitis and asthma. Reduction of their frequency and severity may effect the viral alteration of the pulmonary and immune systems. Because of this, as it combines anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties, loratadine, a second generation anti-histamine is a candidate for a study as a preventative treatment for allergy and asthma. A clinical study in children of less than 3 years is in progress to establish the value of this product in reduction of the number and severity of infections of the upper airways, the number of associated complications and the incidence of wheezing.