Childhood Interstitial Lung Disease in an Immunocompetent Patient Without Exposure

Saleh A Alharbi1

  • 1Pediatric Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, SAU.

Cureus
|February 24, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Childhood interstitial and diffuse lung disease (chILD) affects rare pediatric populations. This case highlights an immunocompetent child with recurrent cough and clubbing, diagnosed with interstitial lung disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Rare Respiratory Diseases
  • Interstitial Lung Disease

Background:

  • Childhood interstitial and diffuse lung disease (chILD) comprises rare, chronic pediatric respiratory conditions.
  • Estimated prevalence is 1.5 per million children (0-18 years).
  • Etiologies are diverse, including systemic diseases, medications, environmental exposures, and metabolic disorders.

Observation:

  • A case report of an immunocompetent young female.
  • Presented with persistent cough and digital clubbing.
  • Diagnosed with interstitial lung disease.

Findings:

  • The patient's presentation indicated underlying interstitial lung disease.
  • Further investigation into the specific etiology was warranted.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering chILD in pediatric patients with respiratory symptoms.
  • Highlights the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation in young patients presenting with cough and clubbing.
  • Contributes to understanding the varied clinical presentations of pediatric interstitial lung disease.

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