Paediatric Respiratory Disease Flashcards
What does CPAP stand for?
Continuous positive airways pressure
What causes respiratory distress syndrome?
relative surfactant deficiency
What type of cells produce surfactant?
Type II alveolar cells at 30-32 weeks
Describe the consequences and treatment of a lack of surfactant
Atelectasis (collapse of the lungs)
Impairment of gas exchange
Treatment involves steroids given to the mother in order to improve lung function
How is the baby treated after birth with RDS?
Kept warm, NCPAP, intubation & ventilation if surfactant is required
If the condition of RDS deteriorates what will happen?
no breath sounds - a pneumothorax
Describe chronic lung disease
oxygen is required beyond 36 weeks, evidence of pulmonary parenchymal disease on CXR and congested gestation
What is it called when the heart is on the other side?
Dextrocardia
How does a diaphragmatic hernia develop?
Usually associated with pulmonary hypoplasia where the lung has not developed normally
Why is a IPPV bag mask not used to treat a diaphragmatic hernia?
Intubation is required
What is the treatment for a diaphragmatic hernia?
Respiratory support & surgery
Describe transient tachypnoea of the newborn
grunting shortly after delivery, lung fluid present in term babies most get better within 48-72 hours
What are the three main symptoms of CF?
- cough
- loose stools
- failure to thrive
What are the main symptoms of asthma?
- wheeze
- cough
- tight chest
- difficulty breathing
What can be a side effect of the brown inhaler (steroid)?
It can interfere with growth
For children with an acute asthma attack what is the treatment?
Oxygen, nebuliser bronchodilator & oral prednisolone
Describe bronchiolitis
viral infection usually in children under 18 months but more severe in younger babies. Common when a baby has chronic lung disease or family of smokers
What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis?
- tachypnoea
- poor feeding
- irritating cough
- apnoea
What is the main cause of croup? How does it present?
Mainly caused by paraflu
Presents with stridor and barking cough
In the case of suspected croup what is it important to exclude?
- inhaled foreign body
- laryngomalacia
- epiglottis & bacterial tracheitis
- allergy
