A retrospective study of clinical profile of acute lower respiratory tract infections in children between 2 and 60 months
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20261900Keywords:
Acute lower respiratory tract infections, Pneumonia, Under five children, Risk factors, Outcomes, Retrospective studyAbstract
Background: Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTI) is one of the main causes of illness and mortality in children under 5, especially in developing nations like India. The most common illness that necessitate hospitalizations are pneumonia, bronchiolitis and wheeze associated LRTI.
Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital. The study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital, where medical records of children aged 2 months to 60 months admitted with ALRTI were reviewed over the study period. Demographic details, clinical features, nutritional and immunization history, laboratory findings, treatment modalities and outcomes were all carefully analyzed.
Results: The study involved ninety children. Overall, infants were commonly involved, with male predominance. The most frequent diagnosis was pneumonia, which was followed by WALRTI and bronchiolitis. Cough, fever, tachypnea and respiratory distress are the common presenting symptoms. Risk factors that are often noted was overcrowding, exposure to biomass burning, malnutrition and incomplete immunization. While a small proportion of children required acute care and ventilator support, majority children recovered with proper care.
Conclusions: ALRTI remain a significant cause of hospitalization in children until 5 years of age. Pneumonia remains the predominant clinical entity. Early diagnosis, prompt treatment and addressing modifiable risk factors can significantly improve outcomes.
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