Pediatrics: Pneumonia and Asthma Management

Haemophilus influenzae is a common bacterium that causes respiratory infections in children, particularly those under 5 years old. It can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, and ear infections.

Cough remedies are not a long-term management strategy for asthma. They may provide temporary relief, but they do not address the underlying cause of the condition.

IV Aminophylline is not typically considered the first-line treatment for acute severe asthma. It can be used in certain cases, but there are more effective and preferred medications.

Increased respiratory rate is a common sign of pneumonia in children, but it's not always the most reliable. Other factors like oxygen saturation and chest x-ray findings are also important.

Acute bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, commonly caused by viruses like RSV. It's a frequent cause of respiratory distress in infants.

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, a combination antibiotic, is often the preferred choice for treating bacterial infections like those associated with bronchiolitis.

Skin-prick testing is not part of the initial management for severe asthma in the emergency room. It's more relevant for long-term asthma management to identify specific allergens.

Acute otitis media can be caused by viruses like rhinovirus. This is not a rare occurrence.

CT scan of the chest can be helpful for detailed imaging of the chest and lungs, but it's not the first-line investigation for every suspected respiratory issue.

Laryngomalacia is the most frequent cause of persistent stridor (a high-pitched breathing sound) in infants. It's a condition where the soft tissues in the larynx are floppy.

Acute otitis media can be diagnosed by examining the tympanic membrane. This is essential for determining the presence and severity of the infection.

Childhood asthma is not always characterized by cough, wheeze, and breathlessness. Some children may experience only a cough or other symptoms.

Clubbing of fingers is a sign of chronic oxygen deprivation, not typically associated with asthma. It's more common in conditions like lung disease.

Lobar consolidation, an area of increased density on a chest x-ray, is a common feature of pneumococcal pneumonia, a type of bacterial pneumonia.

Failure to thrive is a symptom of cystic fibrosis, a condition affecting the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. It's caused by difficulty absorbing nutrients.

Foreign body aspiration occurs when a foreign object is inhaled into the lungs, causing respiratory distress. It's a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.