Differential diagnosis of acute respiratory distress in children according to physical examination findings

CNS: central nervous system.
* Pneumonia may be caused by a variety of bacterial and viral pathogens. COVID-19 should also be considered in acutely ill children presenting with pneumonia in regions with a high prevalence although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rarely causes serious illness in the pediatric age group. Refer to UpToDate topics on COVID-19 infection in children.
¶ Pulmonary embolism may cause a fever, which is usually low grade.