Do not perform chest X-ray in a child with suspected non-severe community-acquired pneumonia or with uncomplicated acute asthma.

Do not perform chest X-ray in a child with suspected non-severe community-acquired pneumonia or with uncomplicated acute asthma.

Type of practice

Imaging

Age

Pediatric

Topic Area

Paediatrics

In case of suspected pneumonia in a child, X-ray findings are not useful to suggest the etiology or to distinguish between a bacterial or non-bacterial pneumonia. Chest X-ray does not affect the clinical outcomes, but rather exposes children to additional radiation doses with increased Health Care costs.Chest X-ray is normal or negative in most children with acute asthma attacks, and is not recommended unless in cases with suspected complications (pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum or consolidation) or that do not respond to treatment.

Sources

1. Zuccotti GV. Manuale di Pediatra. La Pratica Clinica. II Ed 2016, Esculapio Editrice.
2. Harris et al. British Thoracic Society guidelines for the management of community acquired pneumonia in children: update 2011. Thorax 2011 Oct; 66 Suppl 2: ii1-233.
3. Gestione dell’attacco acuto di asma in età pediatrica. Linee guida SIP. Aggiornamento 2016. www.sip.it
4. Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention (GINA), 2016 update. www.ginasthma.org

Attention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.