17.3 Acute Upper Airway Obstruction

Question 1

acute upper airway obstuction: 3 areas?

Answer 1

supraglottic
glottic
subglottic/tracheal

Question 2

causes of supraglottic obstruction?

Answer 2

• epiglottitis
• tonsils
• foreign body
• retropharyngeal abscess
• acute angioedema

Question 3

causes of laryngeal/subglottic obstruction?

Answer 3

-acute laryngotracheitis (croup)
-spasmodic croup
=bacterial tracheitis
-foreign body
-diphtheria
-intubation trauma
-laryngospasm (hypocalcaemia)

Question 4

what warning signs for severe croup?

Answer 4

marked upper sternal retractions

• tachy
• more accessory

Question 5

Upper airway obstruction treatment:

Answer 5

-oral dex -lasts 12-18 hours (BD dose)
-nebulised adrenaline (take 15-20min onset PRN-lasts between 2-3 hours)
-hospital for 4-6 hours
-O2
-IV fluids
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