Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract illness in infants (0-12months) caused by a viral illness which presents with flu-like symptoms – cough, fever, runny nose. This illness is usually self-limiting within 7-10 days (peaking day 2-3).
Community Acquired Pneumonia
Community acquired pneumonia is a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia caused by a community acquired infection in a previously healthy child. Clinical assessment can be challenging; symptoms vary with age and can be non-specific in young children, and aetiology is often unknown at presentation
Pre-school Wheeze
Pre-school wheeze is also referred to as reactive airways disease. Wheeze is a very common ED presentation in children that is usually caused by intercurrent viral infection or other environmental triggers.
Sepsis
Sepsis arises when the body is invaded by an infection, prompting the immune system to fight it. In response, the immune system becomes hyperactive and targets the body’s organs and tissues. This can result in harm to vital organs such as the kidneys, lungs, brain, and heart, potentially leading to fatal consequences. The best chance of getting better from sepsis is early intervention.
Febrile illness
Fever or febrile illness is one of the most common paediatric ED presentations. Identifying a focus of infection can be challenging especially in very young children.