As guidelines recommend against the use of routine chest radiographs for suspected pediatric community-acquired pneumonia in the outpatient settings, clinicians must rely on clinical symptoms and physical examination. Therefore, it is necessary to know the diagnostic cornerstone for pediatric pneumonia. A recent study systematically reviewed the accuracy of symptoms and physical examination findings in identifying children with radiographic pneumonia. As per the study findings: Presence of moderate hypoxemia (oxygen saturation ≤ 96%) and increased work of breathing (grunting, flaring, and retractions) were signs most associated with pneumonia.
Fever (temperature >37.5°C) and tachypnea (respiratory rate >40 breaths/min were not strongly associated with pneumonia diagnosis. Similarly, auscultatory findings were not associated with pneumonia diagnosis. The presence of normal oxygenation…
