BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory tract infections are among the most common childhood diseases throughout the world. In the treatment of respiratory tract infections, in addition to the medical treatment, acupressure and massage methods are implemented to relieve and cure the symptoms of a child. OBJECTIVE: This randomized-controlled experimental research was done in order to determine the effectiveness of acupressure and massage in children with respiratory distress. METHODOLOGY: The sample consisted of children aged 2 to 6 years who were admitted to the ward with the diagnosis of acute respiratory tract infection. Acupressure group, massage group and control group were comprised of 26, 25, and 27 children respectively. The data were collected by means of Parents Information Form, Child Information Form and Preschool Respiratory Assessment Measure. RESULTS: It was determined that the PRAM point averages of acupressure group and the massage group decreased significantly. It was also found that the discharge period of children who were applied acupressure shortened significantly compared to massage and control group. CONCLUSION: It was suggested that acupressure and massage are included in nursing practices, and nurses get informed about supplementary and alternative treatment practices during their education and with in-service training.

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