WILL ULTRASOUND REVOLUTIONIZE THE DIAGNOSIS OF PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN POPULATION?

Abstract

Worldwide, pneumonia continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The effectiveness of ultrasonography and chest radiography (X-ray) in the diagnosis of pneumonia in pediatric patients is examined in this paper. Although chest radiography has been the norm for years, worries about radiation exposure have made ultrasonography seem like a viable substitute. This article assesses both modalities' diagnostic value and accuracy through a review of recent literature. As a potentially useful diagnostic tool, ultrasonography has advantages over chest X-rays, including accessibility, low radiation dose, and similar diagnostic efficacy. Ultrasound has a high negative predictive value, which indicates that it may be used to efficiently triage patients in emergencies. The decision between an X-ray and an ultrasound ultimately comes down to several variables, such as patient condition, physician skill, and equipment accessibility. However, considering ultrasound's safety record and diagnostic capabilities, it offers a strong substitute for diagnosing pneumonia in kids, in line with WHO guidelines to reduce radiation exposure in this susceptible group.