The most common causes of dyspneia in children

Abstract

Introduction: Respiratory diseases account for more than 25% of all pediatric examinations. The most common are asthma, acute bronchitis and respiratory infections. They are mostly accompanied by dyspnea, increased body temperature and cough. Objective: To examine the frequency, age differences and seasonal nature of respiratory diseases in the pediatric age. Materials and methods: The data were analyzed retrospectively, using the electronic database of the Novi Sad Emergency Medical Service (EMSNS) in the period from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2023. The research included pediatric patients diagnosed with laryngitis (J04 according to ICD-10), acute bronchitis (J20 according to ICD-10), asthma (J45 according to ICD-10) and pneumonia (J18 according to ICD-10). 11259 patients of both sexes were analyzed. For data analysis we used descriptive statistical methods and standard deviation. Results: Out of a total of 11,259 examined children, 840 (7%) of them presented with respiratory problems. Of these, there were 519 (62%) boys and 321 (38%) girls. The average age of the children was 4 years (SD ± 3.2). The majority of children examined were aged 0-5 - 644 (77%). 472 (56%) children were diagnosed with laryngitis, 267 (32%) children had acute bronchitis, 81 (10%) children had asthma, 20 children (2%) had pneumonia. Most children were examined in October - 135 (16%), most often due to laryngitis - 73 (54%). 765 (91%) were treated on the spot, while 75 (9%) of them were referred to the IZZDIOV, of which 33 (44%) children were referred for acute bronchitis. The most frequently used therapy was Methylprednisolone - 368 (46%), mostly in 202 (24%) children diagnosed with laryngitis. Conclusion: Prevention, early diagnosis and therapy are necessary in order to prevent more serious complications of these diseases.