Paediatric Upper Airway Issues Flashcards
What are some of the symptoms of upper airway obstruction?
Coughing Drooling Difficulty Breathing Gagging Inspiratory Stridor
Why might stridor be considered a good sign after aspirating a foreign object?
Stridor indicates that there is a partial obstruction creating the turbulent flow and audible sound
If there is a complete obstruction there is no ventilation and no breath sounds may be audible
What is the BLS approach for a choking patient?
5 Back Slaps
5 Abdominal thrusts
Note- if older ask for two big cough before starting back slaps.
What investigations may be done in a stable child thought to have aspirated something?
CXR or Neck Radiograph to locate the object
Laryngoscopy/Bronchoscopy can both visualise and remove the object
What symptoms might be experienced if a foreign object is aspirated into the nasal cavity?
Unilateral foul smelling rhinorrhea
Difficulty breathing
Epistaxis
Obstructed air outflow from nose
What is laryngomalacia?
Congenital abnormality of the laryngeal cartilage, shortened aryepiglottic folds pull the epiglottis causing airway obstruction. Most common cause of stridor in newborns.
How do most cases of laryngomalacia correct?
Many children grow out of it with age
Why is it important to monitor weight and feeding in children with laryngomalacia?
Difficulty breathing leads to issues with feeding and so nutrition may be poor.
Why might laryngomalacia lead to or worsen reflux?
Negative pressure is created due to obstruction which can draw up stomach acid causing reflux. This causes irritation and swelling which can worsen the laryngomalacia.
How is laryngomalacia diagnosed?
Laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy
How can you divide the causes of rhinitis?
Infectious and non-infectious
What are some causes of non-infectious rhinitis?
Allergic Rhinitis- Pollen, Dust, Dander
Irritant- Tobacco smoke, Cold or dry air
Exercise
What are some of the symptoms of rhinitis?
Nasal congestion
Rhinorrhoea
Sneezing
Sniffling
What treatments might be used for non-infection rhinitis?
Avoid the trigger Intranasal Antihistamines Intranasal Steroids Nasal Douching Oral Antihistamines Oral Steroids if severe atopic crisis Ipratropium bromide (antimuscarinic may be used to reduce nasal secretions)
Are the majority of infectious rhinitis cases due to viral or bacterial infections?
Viral
What are the common viral causes of infectious rhinitis?
Rhinovirus Influenza virus RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Parainfluenza Virus Adenovirus
What are the common bacterial causes of infectious rhinitis?
Strep pneumoniae
Haemophilus Influenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis
What can a fungal cause of rhinitis be an indicator of?
Immunocompromised child- aspergillus could be the fungal cause
What are the common viral causes of pharyngitis?
Rhinovirus
Coronavirus
Infection may begin as rhinitis and then travel to cause infection of the pharynx
What is a common bacterial causes of pharyngitis?
Group A Strep
What criteria should be used to differentiate between a viral and a bacterial cause of pharyngitis/tonsillitis?
CENTOR Criteria