European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PATTERN OF LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN BELOW 5 YEARS ADMITTED TO PRINCE RASHED BIN AL-HASSAN HOSPITAL

Mayada S. Megdadi MD*, Sondos B. Al Harahsheh MD, Hala A. Sweidan MD, Marwan Al Quda MD and Zoheir A. Alkhwayleh MD.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Acute lower respiratory tract infection is the leading cause of mortality and one of the common causes of morbidity in children under-five years of age, associated with around 20% of total deaths in children under five years old. In pediatric patients, respiratory infections can be life threatening if not treated. Including a heterogeneous group of diseases caused by different type of microorganisms including virus, bacteria, or fungi. The incidence of acute respiratory infection is higher in developing countries than in developed countries. Objective: To determine the incident pattern and associated factors of lower respiratory tract infections for admitted children in pediatric department at Prince Rashed bin Al-Hassan Hospital. Results: 224 children were admitted to pediatric department during the study period between June 2018 to September 2019. Male to female ratio was 1.3:1. The common age group was between (1 to 6) months and accounted for 46.8% of total cases. Fever, cough, and hurried breathing were the common symptoms for lower respiratory tract infections in group 2 and group 3. Bronchopneumonia and bronchiolitis were the most significant clinical diagnosis associated with 75% of total respiratory tract infections in our study. Conclusion: Lower respiratory tract infections is a global concern for children health. Well understanding of symptoms and indicators may significantly improve clinical outcomes. Maximum incident rate of lower respiratory tract infections was found in group1 (1 to 6) months.

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