Differential Diagnosis and Interdisciplinary Workup of a Pediatric Patient With an Unknown Immune Condition: Chronic Respiratory Distress Secondary to Viral Illness and Developmental Consequences.

We present a case of a three-year-old African American male, born at term, who initially presented with bronchiolitis at six months and has since experienced recurrent episodes of respiratory distress and hospitalizations. The patient also has severe eczema, developmental delays, and recurrent viral illnesses. Despite thorough evaluations from various specialists, such as pulmonology, allergy, and gastroenterology, the underlying cause remained elusive. The differential diagnosis for this case is as follows: severe persistent asthma with a possible link to genetic mutations such as CDHR3, hyper-IgE syndrome, atypical presentation of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with aspiration pneumonitis. This patient's chronic condition has contributed to several developmental consequences, including failure to gain weight and possible hypoxic encephalopathy, leading to delays in cognitive and motor milestones and speech delays. Aggressive medical management, especially long-term systemic steroids, raises concerns about future complications. Through this case, we highlight the importance of thorough workups and an interdisciplinary approach to diagnosing and managing an unknown immune condition, as well as consistent pediatric primary care follow-up to assess development and coordinate necessary support. Here, we aim to address a gap in research on the unique presentations of pediatric respiratory distress symptoms by formulating a comprehensive differential diagnosis and exploring the various ways that chronic respiratory illness can contribute to developmental deficits such as speech and cognitive delays in pediatric patients. This study calls for further research into genetic contributions to asthma, diverse presentations of GERD, prevention of viral illnesses, alternative treatments minimizing steroid use, and an understanding of the impact of chronic respiratory distress on cognitive and language development in children. Thorough workups and interdisciplinary approaches are essential for effective diagnosis and management.