Airway Obstruction Flashcards
What structure divides the upper and lower respiratory tracts?
Vocal Cords
What anatomical structure takes up 80% of the space in the throat?
Larynx
Explain the position of the vocal cords in phonation vs respiration
Closed tightly in phonation to allow vibration to occur
Open in respiration to allow intake of air
What special features are present in the head and neck of babies and children?
Large head Small nostrils Larynx and epiglottis are higher Relatively large tongue Small, soft larynx Narrow subglottis
Why are small nostrils a potential problem in neonates?
They are nasal breathers
=> if the small nostrils are blocked during a cold they are incapable of breathing properly
What do a higher larynx and epiglottis in babies allow for?
- Can breath and suckle at the same time
- Milk diverts around high larynx and is deposited straight into pharynx
What happens to the resistance of airflow as the diameter of the airway is reduced?
Airflow resistance increases exponentially
What are the main causes of airway obstruction?
Inflammation/Infection/Allergy Foreign bodies Physical compression of airway Trauma/Iatrogenic Neurological Neoplastic Burn Congenital
What symptoms are the most concerning with regards to airway obstruction in babies/children?
SOB on Exertion SOB at rest Inability to complete a sentence Sternal/Subcostal recession Tracheal tug
What signs are often heard if a child has airway obstruction?
Stridor and Stertor
What is the definition of stridor?
High pitched harsh noise due to turbulent airflow from airway obstructions
What is the definition of stertor?
Low pitched sonorous sound arising from nasopharyngeal airway
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can contribute to what disease in children?
Obstructive sleep apnoea
How is the appearance of acute epiglottitis usually described?
“Cherry Red”
What are the complications of foreign bodies?
Something such as a peanut can inflame the bronchus enough to close it off and cause a pneumonia
