Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 1, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for an 11-year-old with Decreased Air Entry to Lower Lobes Bilaterally

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Pneumonia: Given the symptoms of decreased air entry to the lower lobes bilaterally, fever, and low oxygen saturation (SpO2 of 90-91% on room air), pneumonia is the most likely diagnosis. The clinical presentation is consistent with a lower respiratory tract infection, which is common in children and can be caused by viral or bacterial pathogens.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Bronchiolitis: Although more common in younger children, bronchiolitis can occur in older children, especially if they have underlying respiratory conditions. It presents with similar symptoms, including decreased air entry and hypoxia.
  • Asthma Exacerbation: If the child has a history of asthma, an exacerbation could present with decreased air entry, especially if there's an element of airway obstruction. However, the presence of fever might lean more towards an infectious cause.
  • Pleural Effusion: This could be a complication of pneumonia or another condition, leading to decreased air entry due to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Pneumothorax: A life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. Although less likely, it could present with decreased air entry and hypoxia, especially if the child is very unwell.
  • Sepsis: Given the child's fever and appearance of being very unwell, sepsis should be considered, particularly if there's a suspicion of bacterial pneumonia or another severe infection.
  • Foreign Body Aspiration: Although more typical in younger children, it's a critical diagnosis not to miss, as it can cause acute respiratory distress and decreased air entry, especially if the object is lodged in a mainstem bronchus.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Cystic Fibrosis Exacerbation: If the child has cystic fibrosis, an exacerbation could present with decreased air entry and hypoxia, among other symptoms.
  • Interstitial Lung Disease: A broad category of diseases affecting the lung interstitium, which could present with chronic or acute symptoms, including decreased air entry and hypoxia, though this would be less common in an acute setting.
  • Congenital Heart Disease with Pulmonary Complications: Certain congenital heart diseases can lead to pulmonary complications, including decreased air entry and hypoxia, especially if there's significant pulmonary hypertension or other complications.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.