Why is childhood pneumonia different from its adult counterpart – in its clinical presentation as well as radiographic interpretation?
Pneumonia is the most common cause of childhood illness. Radiographic interpretation is mainly based on technique. Films are best exposed at maximal inspiration with quiet breathing. Films made in expiration or with the patient rotated may lead to an erroneous diagnosis of pneumonia. The presence of a prominent thymus in an infant, breast buds in the pubescent teenager or a long hair braid in a child can simulate pneumonia. Also, obstructive airway problems are on important component of childhood non-bacterial respiratory infections. Inflammatory edema, debris & mucus have profound obstructive effects upon small airways in babies. Also, the collateral air pathways are not as well developed. Thus, obstructive overinflation & atelectasis frequently accompanies pulmonary infection.
