According to WHO classification, what is the threshold for fast breathing in a 20-month-old child with cough and cold?

• A Respiratory rate ≥60/min
• B Respiratory rate ≥50/min
• C Respiratory rate ≥30/min
• D Respiratory rate ≥40/min ✓

Explanation

WHO defines fast breathing as ≥60/min for infants under 2 months, ≥50/min for infants 2-11 months, and ≥40/min for children 12 months to 5 years. A 20-month-old falls in the 12 months to 5 years category, so the cutoff is 40/min. This is critical for diagnosing pneumonia in resource-limited settings.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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