Airway obstruction

Question 1

Why are babies obligate nasal breathers?

Answer 1

The epiglottis sits at the same level as the palate, enables them to breath whilst breastfeeding.

Question 2

Why are babies at an increased risk of an airway obstruction?

Answer 2

They have a small soft larynx
Epiglottis is not rigid
Narrow sub-glottis

Question 3

The smaller the diameter of the airway, the lower the resistance so decreases the work of breathing. T/F

Answer 3

False
The smaller the diameter of the airway
The larger the resistance
So increases the work of breathing

Question 4

List some causes of airway obstruction

Answer 4

Inflammatory Infective Allergic
Foreign body
Neuroligical
Neoplastic
Physical compression
Trauma
Burns
Congenital

Question 5

What is stertor?

Answer 5

Low pitched sound arising from partially blocked supra glottis.

Question 6

What is sub glottal stenosis?

Answer 6

Congenital narrowing of to sub glottis

Question 7

What is adult sub glottal stenosis linked to ?

Answer 7

Small vessel vasculitis or sarcoidosis

Question 8

If a women in her 40s presents with sub glottal stenosis what is the likely aetiology?

Answer 8

idiopathic

Question 9

Why do burn victims need to be intubated as quickly as possible?

Answer 9

Due to the inhalation of hot gases and ash the airways become massively and rapidly irritated leading to wide spread inflammation which prevents intubation.