Skip to main content
. 2022 May 2;12(5):e058901. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058901

Table 3.

Clinical case definitions of acute lower respiratory infections, and recommended primary care treatment according to WHO IMCI guidelines

Category Signs and symptoms Treatment
Pneumonia Cough and/or difficulty breathing AND
Fast breathing for age
AND/OR
Chest indrawing
Home treatment with oral antibiotics
Severe pneumonia Cough and/or difficulty breathing AND
General danger sign
AND/OR
Hypoxaemia
Hospital inpatient treatment with IV antibiotics (and oxygen for those with SpO2 <90%)
Suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Clinician diagnosis
AND/OR
RT-PCR positive test
Not specifically addressed in IMCI. Local guidelines adapted from WHO guidelines.41

IMCI, Integrated Management of Childhood Illness.