Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Abstract
symptoms, assessing the distribution and relevance of vital signs (temperature=38°C, SpO2<95%) and investigating the prevalence of malnutrition and its association with pediatric pneumonia. This descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted over 12 months at SreeMookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam. The study included 100 children aged 2 months to 15 years presenting with cough and fast breathing. Exclusion criteria included chronic respiratory illnesses, congenital anomalies and other predisposing conditions. Data were collected on clinical symptoms, vital signs and nutritional status, along with routine blood investigations and chest radiography. The study population included 64% males and 36% females, with the highest prevalence of pneumonia in the 1‐5 years age group (48%). Fever was the most common symptom (78%), followed by refusal of feeds/fluids (48%), wheezing (42%) and vomiting (25%). Elevated temperature (=38°C) was found in 63% of cases, and SpO2<95% was observed in 51%. Wasting was present in 36% of the children. Age‐wise analysis showed significant variation in symptoms, with older children exhibiting higher rates of fever and wheezing. Pneumonia in children predominantly affects younger age groups, particularly those aged 1‐5 years. Fever and refusal of feeds/fluids are prominent clinical symptoms, while elevated temperature and low SpO2 are critical indicators of severity. Malnutrition is a significant risk factor. These findings highlight the need for age‐specific diagnostic and treatment approaches to manage pediatric pneumonia effectively.
How to cite this article:
Masaraddi Sanjay Krishna, R. Manoj Kumar, P. Brinda and N. Rama Swathika. Demographic, Clinical and Radiological Characteristics of Pediatric Pneumonia: A Comprehensive Study of 100 Cases.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.9.166.170
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.9.166.170