Background: Acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) continues to be the biggest killer worldwide of children under 5 years of age. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify and assess the modifiable risk factors for ALRTI in children under 5 years of age. Materials and Methods: This prospective case–control study was conducted in the pediatrics department of a tertiary care pediatric hospital. A sample size of 106 cases and 106 controls were selected. A detailed general and systemic examination (including respiratory and heart rate measurements, anthropometry, and nutritional assessment) along with the routine hematologicalinvestigations and chest X rays was done in both cases and controls. Other specific investigations were done as per requirement in individual cases, and all the cases were treated as per the standard protocol depending on the type of ALRTI. Chi-square-test was used and p<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Statistically significant risk factors identified with increased incidence of ALRTI included incomplete immunization for age, low socioeconomic status, families having more than two under-five children at home, family history of moking, respiratory infections, overcrowding, use of biomass as fuel for cooking, lack of ventilation, not having separate kitchen, low birth weight, pre-lacteal feeding, lack of exclusive breastfeeding for 4–6 months, malnutrition, and anemia. Conclusion: The present study identifies various significant risk factors for severe pneumonia in under-five children.

No abstract

Iron deficiency is most common cause of anemia worldwide and more so in our country. Dietary factors and malabsorption are the major factors responsible for iron deficiency. Celiac disease is one of the most common causes of intestinal malabsorption during childhood. Here we present a case of celiac disease in a child presenting with iron deficiency anemia, refractory to iron therapy.

No abstract

No abstract