The Clinical Profile and Risk Factors of Pneumonia in Children

ABSTRACT

Background: The problem of increased ARI morbidity and mortality has arisen as a result of modernization, industry, and urbanization. There is a deficiency of epidemiological studies on risk factors and treatment. There is a significant vacuum in our understanding of these issues, which must be filled by methodical research. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risk factors developing pneumonia in our area.Material & Methods:This was a prospective clinical study of pneumonia conducted on 90 children who were admitted to Paediatric ward in Abdul MalekUkil Medical College, Noakhali, Bangladesh in study duration. Epidemiological factors affecting the same were studied and bronchoscopy was done whenever it was needed. A detailed history of the relevant symptoms, such as fever, cough, rapid breathing, refusal of feeds, noisy breathing, bluish discolouration etc., was collected.Results:The most affected children belonged to the age group of 1 year to 3 years (64.9%). Bronchopneumonia (86.2%) was the most common clinical diagnosis made at admission. According to WHO ARI control programme, 28.7% had pneumonia, 54.3% had severe pneumonia and 17% very severe pneumonia. It was found that younger age group, malnutrition, kutcha house, crowding, poor sanitation facilities, cooking with fuel other than LPG (indoor pollution) and low socio economic status and high respiratory rate were significant risk factors for pneumonia in children.Conclusions:One of the leading causes of mortality and death in children is particularly pneumonia. In newborns and preschool children, bronchopneumonia is the most common symptom.