Evidence of possible misinterpretation of breathing symptoms by carers and clinicians, spontaneously reported by interviewed carers
| Radiological diagnosis and study ID number | Possible misjudgement | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pleural effusion (114) | Carer thought child seemed ‘a bit out of breath’ but did not seek medical advice until child seemed very distressed the following day |
| 2 | Empyema (145) | Carer delayed seeking medical advice because they presumed breathing symptoms were due to asthma |
| 3 | Empyema (161) | |
| 4 | Pneumonia (195) | As above |
| 5 | Pneumonia (234) | As above |
| 6 | Pneumonia (123) | A&E doctor said child's chest was clear and attributed rapid breathing to high temperature |
| 7 | Empyema (159) | Staff in paediatric assessment unit attributed shortness of breath to asthma and sent child home with an inhaler |
| 8 | Pneumonia (169) | Carer was concerned that child had laboured breathing at night. One GP attributed this to a viral infection and advised carer to continue giving Calpol; another said child's chest was clear and sent them home |
| 9 | Pleural effusion (239) | GP attributed shortness of breath to hayfever |
| 10 | Pneumonia (250) | GP did not address carer's concern about child's panting and asked child ‘why he was doing that’ |
GP, general practitioner.