airway obstruction Flashcards
why are neonates at higher risk?
can’t breathe through mouth
obligate nasal breathers as larynx is higher up
what are the signs?
SOB
coughing
choking
hoarse voice
stridor
stertor
what is stridor?
high pitch breathing out due to obstruction
what is stretor?
low pitch snoring sound from nasopharynx
what are the causes?
tonsils/adenoid enlargements in URTI
acute epiglottis
cancer
recurrent resp papillomatosis
foreign bodies
subglottis stenosis
internal burns
what are recurrent resp papillomatosis?
small, wart life growths (look like cauliflower)
what is subglottis stenosis?
narrowing of bit below airway folds
what to look for in a patient with airway obstruction?
work of breathing
appearance
skin circulation
what investigations used?
airway (rigid/flexible) endoscopy
