Common Respiratory Disorders in Pediatrics Flashcards
Why do kids have so many respiratory infections?
- not good at hand hygiene
- germy little people
Primary Preventions to Decrease Likelihood of Respiratory Illnesses
- proper use of tissues (throw away after)
- washing hands
- not sharing utensils
- use of paper cups
- washing toys
- outdoor activity
- limit exposure to those who are ill
- change toothbrushes w/ each URI and every 3 months
Differences between infants/children and adult respiratory systems
- funnel shaped larynx
- increased RR
- fatigue easily
- bronchiole measures 4mm vs. 8mm in adults
- larger tongue (can obstruct airway)
- 80% of pediatric arrests are d/t respiratory arrest
- obligate nasal breathers until 4-6wks
- shorter neck
- smaller, shorter, narrower airways > more susceptible to airway obstruction and resp distress
- smaller lung capacity
- rely on diaphragm breathing > high risk for resp failure if diaphragm unable to contract
S/Sx of Respiratory Distress
- head bobbing
- snoring
- nasal flaring
- retractions: slight solitary intercostal retractions may be normal in infants d/t pliability of rib cage
- poor feeding
*if RR over 60, should be NPO b/c at risk for aspiration
Upper Airway Obstruction: S/Sx
retractions w/ stridor or snoring (inspiratory)
Lower Airway Obstruction: S/Sx
retractions w/ expiratory wheeze
Children under 6 not advised to use which meds:
- cough medicine
- expectorants
- decongestants
- antihistamines
- zinc
- vitamin C
Cold: S/Sx
- secretions of varying colors
- mild erythema of throat (no exudate)
- freely moveable nodes
- lungs are clear
Cold: Management
- acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- small frequent amounts of fluids to stay hydrated
- cool mist humidifier (change water daily and clean w/ vinegar to prevent mold)
- call if symptoms persist for more than 10 days or get worse
Sinusitis: Sx
- runny nose w/ yellow/greenish discharge
- fever
- headache
- anorexia
Sinusitis: Tx
- antibiotics (amoxicillin)
- Neti Pot
Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis: Viral Sx
90% are viral
- gradual onset
- low grade fever
- mild headache
- loss of appetite
- sore throat
- horse voice
- productive cough
Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis: Viral Management
Throat cx to r/o GABHS
comfort measures (salt water gargles, throat lozenges), fluids
Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis: Bacterial Sx
much more dramatic
- fever
- headache
- n/v
- sore throat
- increased cervical nodes and tender
- muscle aches
- petechiae on palate
- swollen/red uvula
- red enlarged tonsils w/ exudate
- bad breath
- strawberry tongue
*bacteria is usually strep
Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis: Bacterial Management
- throat cx
- antibiotics (penicillin)
- comfort measures (salt water gargles)
*can return to class when afrebrile and after 24 hours of starting antibiotics
