AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO THE MANAGEMENT OF PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN BASED ON CLINICAL SEVERITY AND RADIOLOGIC FINDINGS

Pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to reduce complications and mortality. Clinical assessment forms the cornerstone of pneumonia diagnosis in children, while chest imaging plays a complementary role in confirming the diagnosis, assessing disease severity, and identifying complications. This article reviews the integration of clinical presentation and chest imaging in the management of pediatric pneumonia. Emphasis is placed on correlating symptoms, physical findings, and radiologic patterns to guide therapeutic decisions, hospitalization, and follow-up. Understanding the strengths and limitations of both clinical evaluation and imaging is essential for optimal patient care and rational use of resources.