Which of the following is a symptom of severe pneumonia according to IMCI?

The symptom indicative of severe pneumonia according to the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is any general danger sign (GDS), which often suggests underlying severe illness in a child. The presence of any general danger sign indicates that the child is severely ill and requires immediate assessment and management. These signs can include lethargy, difficulty in breathing, or decreased consciousness, all of which necessitate urgent medical attention.

In the context of severe pneumonia, other symptoms like cough and rapid breathing may also present, but the emphasis on general danger signs highlights the critical state of the child’s health. The presence of GDS is essential for identifying severe cases that may not purely be indicated by respiratory symptoms alone. This classification assists health care workers in prioritizing treatment for severely ill children and ensuring timely intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with severe pneumonia.