Titus N., 3

Titus is a three-year-old boy and the second-born in a family of three children. His mother is the family's sole breadwinner, earning about KSh 2,900 per month from selling sorghum. This modest income is barely enough to meet the family's basic needs, making it difficult to afford healthcare when illness strikes. The family lives in a single rented room, shares a pit latrine with neighbouring households, and relies on a community-sponsored tap for drinking water. Two days before admission, Titus developed chest pain, wheezing, rapid breathing, and increasing difficulty breathing. His condition worsened, prompting his mother to seek urgent medical care despite her financial challenges. She recalled that a young gentleman had once told him about an organization that treats sick underprivileged children, and took him to Mechimeru Hospital, where she explained that she could not afford the cost of treatment. After assessing the family's circumstances, the facility enrolled Titus for support through Helpster Charity. He received prompt medical evaluation, appropriate treatment, and free medication, enabling him to access the lifesaving care he urgently needed without financial barriers.

Titus was diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis and received supportive treatment aimed at relieving symptoms and maintaining adequate oxygenation and hydration. Management included oxygen therapy as needed for low oxygen saturation, nasal saline drops with gentle suctioning to clear airway secretions, adequate fluid intake or intravenous fluids if feeding was difficult, and close monitoring of respiratory status. Medications such as antibiotics were not used unless there was evidence of a bacterial infection. Following treatment, Titus showed gradual improvement, with reduced respiratory distress, easier breathing, improved feeding, and stable oxygen levels. He recovered without complications and was discharged in stable condition with advice for continued home care, adequate hydration, and follow-up if symptoms worsened.

Titus has been diagnosed with bronchiolitis, an acute lower respiratory tract infection that can cause significant breathing difficulty in young children. He is receiving appropriate supportive treatment, including oxygen therapy if required, adequate hydration, nutritional support, and close monitoring. His prognosis is good because treatment was initiated promptly, and most children recover completely without lasting lung damage. However, delayed treatment may result in severe respiratory distress, dehydration, or respiratory failure, making continued medical care and follow-up essential.