Author(s):
Surender Kagitapu, Sumana Sri Balla, Nagesh Adla, Fazlul Ali, Ashwini Komaravelli
Email(s):
nagesh.adla@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00678 
Address:
Surender Kagitapu1, Sumana Sri Balla2, Nagesh Adla2, Fazlul Ali2, Ashwini Komaravelli3
1Professor of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Telangana, India.
2Department of Pharmacy Practice, Balaji Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laknepally, Narsampet, Telangana, India.
3Pediatrician, Srikrishna Children’s Hospital, Hanmakonda, Telangana, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 10,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
LRTIs were one of the main causes of death worldwide. According to WHO 28 per 1000 live births in 2023. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the risk factors of LRTI to diagnose and treat promptly. This study is aimed at describing the clinical epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of LRTI in hospitalized patients. Materials and methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in pediatrics hospital for 6 months. All LRTI admissions from 2 months -5 years were included. Data collected from patient`s case records, laboratory reports and history recorded from parents. Data entered into excel and analysed using Graphpad prism and statistical analysis done by chi-square test. Results: 186 children were studied, among that (49.5%) males and (50.5%) females. Toddlers (1-2yrs) (28%) are higher risk of getting LRTI. Clinical characteristics of LRTI are SOB (100%), cough (97.8), fever (96.7%), creptations (95.6%), runny nose (92.5%), tachycardia (82.8%) were common in patients. Chest X-ray findings in bronchiolitis, hyperinflation (39), peribronchial cuffing (36) and increased interstitial markings (21). In bronchopneumonia, patchy consolidation (41), lobar consolidation (34), hyperinflation (03), and pleural effusion unilateral (03) and bilateral (09). Hyperinflation is common in bronchiolitis. The risk factors are middle socio-economic status (85.5%), urban residence (82.3%), history of caesarean section (79%), history of exposure to cigarette smoking (28.5%), toddlers age group (1-2years) (28.5%) having higher risk of getting LRTI and the protective factor against LRTI is exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months (36%). Conclusion: This study shows that toddlers are higher risk of getting LRTI among children under 5 yr old and mostly diagnosed with bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia. Common clinical signs and symptoms are SOB, cough, fever, creptations, runny nose, tachycardia. Common risk factors are exposure to cigarette smoking, urban residence, history of caesarean section, middle socio-economic status and exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months is found to be protective against LRTI.
Cite this article:
Surender Kagitapu, Sumana Sri Balla, Nagesh Adla, Fazlul Ali, Ashwini Komaravelli. Clinical and Epidemiological Insights into Lower Respiratory Tract Infections among Hospitalized Children Under Five Years: A Prospective Observational Approach. Research Journal Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(10):4862-6. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00678
Cite(Electronic):
Surender Kagitapu, Sumana Sri Balla, Nagesh Adla, Fazlul Ali, Ashwini Komaravelli. Clinical and Epidemiological Insights into Lower Respiratory Tract Infections among Hospitalized Children Under Five Years: A Prospective Observational Approach. Research Journal Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(10):4862-6. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00678 Available on: https://rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-10-54
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