Adapted from WHO5
II Assessment of oxygenation
The best objective measurement of hypoxia is by pulse oximetry which avoids the need
for arterial blood gases. It is a good indicator of the severity of pneumonia 18,19
III Criteria for hospitalization
Community acquired pneumonia can be treated at home. It is crucial to identify
indicators of severity in children who may need admission as failure to do so may result
in death. The following indicators can be used as a guide for admission.
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1. Children aged 38.50
C), refusal to feed and vomiting
3. Rapid breathing with or without cyanosis
4. Systemic manifestation
5. Failure of previous antibiotic therapy
6. Recurrent pneumonia
7. Severe underlying disorders ( i.e. immunodeficiency, chronic lung disease )