Paed conditions Flashcards
Describe what croup is
Acute infective respiratory disease affecting young children, typically between 6 months to 2 years
Can be older -> upper respiratory tract infection causing oedema in the larynx
List the common causes of croup
Parainfluenza
Influenza
Adenovirus
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Diphtheria (rare in developed countries due to vaccination)
List differentials for croup
Epiglottitis
Upper airway foreign body
Describe the symptoms of croup
Increased work of breathing
‘barking’ cough, happening in clusters of coughing episodes
Hoarse voice
Stridor – noisy breathing that occurs due to obstructed air flow through a narrowed airway
Low grade fever
List indications for hospital admission for child with croup
Features of moderate or severe illness/impending respiratory failure
RR > 60, high fever, toxic appearance
Describe the management of croup for children if hospital admission is not indicated
Single dose of oral dexamethasone (0.15mg/kg) to be taken immediately
-symptoms will usually resolve within 48 hours
-use paracetamol/ibuprofen for fever or pain
-check on child regularly
Describe epiglottitis
Inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis caused by infection, typically with haemophilus influenza type B
Can swell to the point of completely obscuring the airway within hours of symptoms developing -> life-threatening condition
List symptoms of epiglottitis
Sore throat and stridor
Drooling
Tripod position (sat forward with a hand on each knee)
High fever
Difficulty or painful swallowing
Muffled voice
Scared and quiet child
Septic and unwell appearance
List investigations to do for epiglottitis
Investigations should not be performed – patient should not be distressed as this could prompt closure of the airway
Lateral x-ray of neck shows a ‘thumb sign’ = soft tissue shadow that looks like a thumb pressed into the trachea (caused by the oedematous and swollen epiglottis)
Describe the management of epiglottitis
999 ambulance transfer so that epiglottis can be examined where there is capacity to carry out immediate intubation should the airway close
Preparations need to be made to perform intubation at any time
Additional treatment when airway is secure:
1) IV antibiotics (ceftriaxone)
2) Steroids (dexamethasone)
List a common complication of epiglottitis
Development of an epiglottic abscess – collection of pus around the epiglottis
-also threatens the airway
-treatment is similar to epiglottitis
Describe bronchiolitis
Inflammation and infection in the bronchioles, the small airways of the lungs
Usually caused by a virus – respiratory syncytial virus is the most common cause
List the symptoms of bronchiolitis
Runny/snotty nose, sneezing, mucus in throat & watery eyes
Signs of respiratory distress
Dyspnoea
Tachypnoea
Poor feeding
Mild fever
Apnoeas (episodes where the child stops breathing)
Wheeze and crackles on auscultation
List signs of respiratory distress in children
Raised RR
Use of accessory muscles of breathing
Intercoastal and subcoastal recessions
Nasal flaring
Head bobbing
Tracheal tugging
Cyanosis
Abnormal airway noises
List reasons for admission for a child with bronchiolitis
Age < 3 months/any pre-existing condition
50-75% or less of their normal intake of milk
Clinical dehydration
RR > 70
Oxygen sats < 92%
Moderate to severe respiratory distress, apnoeas
Describe the management of bronchiolitis
Ensuring adequate intake
Saline nasal drops and nasal suctioning
Supplementary oxygen, if sats remain low
Ventilatory support if required
What is infantile colic?
Self-limiting condition which is defined clinically as repeated episodes of excessive and inconsolable crying in an infant
Otherwise appears to be healthy and thriving
Describe the symptoms of infantile colic
Excessive, inconsolable crying which starts in the first weeks of life and resolved by around 3-4 months of age
Crying which most often occurs in the late afternoon or evening
Drawing its knees up to its abdomen/arching its back when crying
List differential diagnosis of infantile colic
If symptoms started suddenly and recently:
-intussusception/volvulus
-pyloric stenosis
More persistent symptoms:
-discomfort: hunger/dehydration, excessive heat or cold
-cows’ milk protein allergy/transient lactose intolerance
Describe management of infantile colic
Reassure the patients/carers that infantile colic is a common problem that should resolve by 6 months of age:
-sources of information and support
-advise on strategies that may help to soothe a crying infant
Arrange for follow-up of the infant and family, depending on clinical judgement (consider an alternative underlying cause for symptoms)