Recurrent pneumonias

Recurrent pneumonia is defined as the occurrence of at least 2 episodes of pneumonia in one year or 3 episodes at different moments of one's life. To study it, we should follow a systematic and progressive approach, beginning with the clinical history and selecting the most adequate examinations. The principal causes of recurrence of pneumonias in children are analyzed and a systematic of rational study is provided. The fundamental aspects of the anamnesis include the symptoms of the episodes, intercurrent symptoms, localization of the pneumonias and radiological resolution or not. The systematic study based on an adequate anamnesis and physical examination and sensible use of the complementary examinations (immunoallergic study, pulmonary function, imaging tests, bronchoscopy, other specific tests) make it possible to reach the diagnosis of the underlying causes of the recurrent pneumonias in 80-90% of the cases.