Physical Exam and Historical Patient Factors Associated with Diagnosis of Pneumonia

Background: The use of chest radiography (CXR) to aid in the diagnosis of pneumonia varies among pediatric emergency physicians. Recent guidelines recommend clinical assessment to diagnose community-acquired pneumonia. Objective: To study the association between historical and physical exam findings in children who were diagnosed with pneumonia in the pediatric emergency department (PED). Design/Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients (birth-18 years of age) who presented with symptoms suspicious for pneumonia in an urban PED was conducted between 01/01/10-12/31/11. Symptoms suggestive of pneumonia included chief complaints of fever, respiratory/difficulty breathing, or cough. Children were excluded if they had chronic lung diseases (i.e. asthma), and non-infectious etiologies (i.e. costochondritis). Children with a PE