Common childhood conditions Flashcards
What is atopy?
Genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic dermatitis (eczema)
What is cradle cap?
Seborrhoeic dermatitis with a thick yellow crusting rash
Common in first two weeks of life
Self limiting, benign
What is neonatal milia?
Affect 40–50% of new-born babies
Few to numerous lesions
Often seen on the nose, or more widely on the scalp, face and upper trunk
Heal spontaneously within a few weeks of birth, no treatment
What is paronychia?
Erythema Nailbed swelling Pus Following skin break e.g. finger sucking or nailbiting Often staphylococcal May need oral abx
What are examples of vulnerable children?
Born prematurely
Developmental problems e.g. cerebral palsy
Small babies in general
Chronic illnesses e.g. asthma, epilepsy, Type 1 diabetes, cystic fibrosis
Children from families with significant social issue
What are the Piaget’s stages of cognitive development?
hint: 4 stages
Sensorimotor (0-2yrs)
Preoperational (2-6yrs)
Concrete operational (6-12yrs)
Formal operational (12yrs-adult)
What are signs and symptoms/ red flags of meningitis in children?
An ill-looking child Neck stiffness Bulging fontanelle Decreased level of consciousness Convulsive status epilepticus Any non-blanching rash, and especially purpura (larger than 2mm in diameter ) Capillary refill time of ≥3seconds
What are signs and symptoms/ red flags of pneumonia in children?
Tachypnoea Crackles in the chest Nasal flaring Chest in-drawing (recessions) Cyanosis Oxygen saturation ≤95%
What do the three colours in the traffic light system for identifying risk of serious illnesses mean?
What 5 categories do you have to consider when using the traffic light system?
Green - low risk
Amber - Intermediate risk
Red - high risk
Colour, Activity, Respiratory, Circulation and hydration, Other
What is PMDI?
Pressurised metered dose inhaler
What are some triggers of asthma?
Environmental allergen Viral infections Cold air Emotion Irritant vapours and fumes Genetic factors Drugs Atmospheric pollution Exercise Occupational sensitizers
What are the BTS guidelines for treatment of asthma for children? How do these guidelines differ from NICE?
1) Salbutamol inhaler (reliever) - reduces airway obstruction
2) Corticosteroid inhaler (preventer) - reduces inflammation
NICE - give only salbutamol, corticosteroids later!
What are some signs of acute severe asthma in children aged 1 or over?
SpO2 < 92%
PEF 33-50% best or predicted
Can’t complete sentences in one breath or too breathless to talk or feed
HR: >125 (>5yrs) or >140 (1-5yrs)
RR: >30 breaths/min (>5yrs) or >40 (1-5yrs)
What are some signs of life-threatening asthma in children aged 1 or over?
SpO2 < 92% PEF <33 best or predicted Silent chest Cyanosis Poor resp effort Hypotension Exhaustion Confusion
How do you treat severe acute asthma in children? (OSHIA)
Oxygen Salbutamol Hydrocortisone - glucocorticoid (prednisolone) Ipratropium Aminophylline
