Background　Upper respiratory tract infections（URIs） frequently occur in childhood, and most infections are viral origin. For those children with URIs， the anesthetic risk is increased because of the increasing perioperative respiratory adverse events. The choice of cancel surgery for children with URIs or not and how long to postpone the procedure are still a dilemma for anesthesiologists.　Objective　This article summarized recent studies about the anesthesia in children with URIs in order to provide theoretical basis of clinical practice for anesthesiologists.　Content　This review involved the pathophysiological mechanisms of URIs， risk factors for perioperative respiratory adverse events in children with URIs， preoperative assessment， management of anesthesia， as well as prevention and treatment of frequently observed adverse events.　Trend　With the increase of pediatric operations， we should decide the right moment of elective surgery for children with URIs.