Diagnosis of Bacterial Pneumonia in Children

Abstract

Bacterial pneumonia in children presents a clinical challenge due to the variety of symptoms that can complicate accurate diagnosis. This study aims to review and analyze the diagnostic methods used for identifying bacterial pneumonia in children, assessing their effectiveness and limitations. An integrative literature review approach was employed, with searches in databases such as LILACS, SciELO, and BDENF, considering articles published between 2010 and 2024. The methodology involved applying the PICo strategy to identify relevant studies, focusing on traditional and new diagnostic methods. Results highlight the difficulty in distinguishing bacterial pneumonia from other respiratory infections due to symptom overlap and limitations of traditional tests. Additionally, new approaches and improvements in diagnostic methods were identified, including the significance of less invasive and more accurate tools, such as pulmonary ultrasound. The conclusion underscores the need for more effective diagnostic methods to enhance precision and speed in treatment, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial pneumonia in children. This study contributes to understanding the challenges and advancements in bacterial pneumonia diagnosis, suggesting directions for future research.