Respiratory Flashcards
What are the signs of increased work of breathing?
- Head bobbing
- Nasal flaring
- Tracheal tug
- Sternal recession
- Intercostal/subcostal recession
What is the most common group of pathogens which cause croup?
Parainfluenza viruses
Describe the clinical features of croup
Typical features are coryza and fever, followed by:
- Hoarse voice/cry
- “Barking” cough
- Stridor
- Increased work of breathing
Describe the investigation of croup
- Not routinely investigated, it is a clinical diagnosis
Describe the management of croup
- Oral dexamethasone
- Oxygen
- Nebulised budesonide
- Nebulised adrenaline if severe
What is the most common causative pathogen of acute epiglottitis?
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
Describe the clinical features of acute epiglottitis
- High fever
- Stridor
- Very ill, toxic-looking child
- Drooling
- “Tripod” position
Describe the investigation and management of acute epiglottitis
DO NOT examine the throat, as this may precipitate total airway obstruction
Management:
- Arrange urgent hospital admission and treatment
- IV antibiotics (e.g. ceftriaxone) and dexamethasone
- Tracheal intubation may be necessary to secure airway
What treatment may you provide to close contacts of children with acute epiglottitis caused by Hib infection?
Rifampicin
What is bronchiololitis?
Who does it most commonly affect?
Bronchiolitis is inflammation of the bronchioles caused by a viral infection
90% of cases are in infants under 9 months
What is the most common pathogen responsible for causing bronchiolitis?
Respiratory syncitial virus (RSV)
Describe the clinical features of bronchiolitis
- Coryza
- Dry cough
- Wheeze
- Signs of respiratory distress
Describe the investigation of bronchiolitis
- Pulse oximetry should be performed on all children with suspected bronchiolitis
- No other investigations are routinely recommended
Give some examples of criteria for admission to hospital with bronchiolitis
- Oxygen saturations < 92% on air
- Inadequate oral fluid intake (50-75% of usual volume)
- Severe respiratory distress
- Apnoea (observed or reported)
Describe the management of bronchiolitis
Supportive management:
- Oxygen
- Fluids
- Assisted ventilation e.g. Airvo, CPAP
Is there any way to prevent bronchiolitis?
Monoclonal antibody to RSV (palivizumab, given monthly by IM injection) reduces number of hospital admissions in high risk infants