Prevalence and Outcome of Clinical Respiratory Distress in Children: An Observational Study

Abstract Background: In India, acute respiratory infections are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children under 5 years of age. Lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia constitute a major contributor to this burden. Respiratory distress is among the most common reasons for pediatric emergency visits. Understanding the details of respiratory distress is crucial for the effective management of the conditions associated with it. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Eastern India for 18 months. Children of 1 month to 5 years of age were included in the study. All the details (demography, clinical, laboratory, and outcome) were recorded in case record forms from children presenting with respiratory distress, presenting to either the outpatient department or emergency department, and getting hospitalized. Results: Of 500 children getting admitted during the study period, 150 had respiratory distress. The prevalence of clinical respiratory distress was 30%. The age group most affected was 3–5 years (59%), and most were prematurely born. Males were commonly affected than the girls. A total of 13 children died, so the mortality rate was 9%. The number of deaths was maximum in the 3–5 years age group (54%), followed by the 1–3 years age group. Pneumonia was the leading cause of respiratory distress (35%) and the only cause of death (100%). Conclusion: The prevalence of clinical respiratory distress in the present study was 30%, and the age group most affected was 3–5 years (59%). Pneumonia was found to be the major cause of respiratory distress and mortality in these children during the study period.