Pneumonia is the most common killer for children below 5 years of age.It is a condition,characterised by fever,Tachypnea,with or without,chest retraction,flaring of ala nasi,head bobbing,suprasternal retraction,cyanosis, and vomiting.If there is only fever and tachypnea,it is called mild pneumonia.If it is associated with chest retration,it is called moderate to severe Pneumonia and if there is cyanosis with refusal to feed with or without seizure ,it is called very severe Pneumonia.
Pneumonia should be diagnosed clinically.Usually chest X-Ray is not required to diagnose Pneumonia.Chest X-Ray exposes the child to ionising radiation which is harmful for a growing lung.But,if the child does not respond to appropriate treatment within 48 hours,or the child deteriorates even after continuous treatment appropriately for 48 hours,chest X-Ray should be done to rule out complications of Pneumonia in the form of Parapneumonic effusion or the most severe form of severe Pneumonia,i.e,NECROTISING PNEUMONIA.
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