The Pediatric Pulmonary History

Chapter 1


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The Pediatric Pulmonary History


Christopher Harris, MD, FAAP


History of Present Illness


The medical history for pulmonary concerns may differ from a routine history because there is often a waxing and waning or a recurrent aspect to respiratory diseases in children. Elements of particular importance include


Attention to the timeline of events


Occurrence, timing, and relative severity of symptoms


Past therapies and previous responses to them


Primary Concern


Ask parents and care providers about the reason for the visit.


If the patient is an older child or adolescent, make sure to ask him or her about the primary concern.


The history may include the duration of the symptom or problem.


Presenting Problem or Symptom


Onset (gradual vs sudden)


Duration (acute vs chronic)


Recurrence or persistence (Are there symptom-free intervals?)


Is there a specific time of day when symptoms appear or worsen?


Is there a seasonal appearance or recurrence of symptoms?


Are there obvious physical findings when the symptom is present?


Retractions or accessory muscle use


Nasal flaring


Shortness of breath or impaired ability to speak, eat, or cry


Factors that worsen or improve the symptom


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Aug 22, 2019 | Posted by in PEDIATRICS | Comments Off on The Pediatric Pulmonary History

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