Clinico-aetiological profile of respiratory distress in children: A study from a rural tertiary care centre in North India

Introduction: Respiratory distress is a common cause of hospital admission in the paediatric population, which may be a manifestation of many underlying conditions. India is witnessing numerous changes in air quality, socio-economic trends and increased coverage in childhood immunisation.

Objectives: To describe the current picture of clinico-aetiological profile of north Indian children hospitalised because of respiratory distress.

Method: This was a cross sectional observational study carried out at a rural tertiary care centre in north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Children aged 1 month to 18 years, presenting with respiratory distress, were studied for their clinical, aetiological and socio-demographic profiles. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21.

Results: A total of 180 children was enrolled. Male to female ratio was 1.57:1. Upper-lower socioeconomic class was significantly associated with mortality (p =0.02). Common aetiologies were bacterial pneumonia (38.8%), bronchiolitis (21.1%) and asthma exacerbation (15.5%). Majority of asthma related admissions were in the winter months. Respiratory system pathology was present in 76.7% cases.

Conclusions: In this study of clinico-aetiological profile of north Indian children, hospitalised because of respiratory distress, infection was the most common aetiology. Children belonging to lower socioeconomic strata and unimmunised children constituted the majority of admissions. Asthma exacerbation in the winter months was as an important cause of morbidity in children.

Sri Lanka Journal of Health, 2023; 52(1): 59-65