Respiratory Discorders Flashcards
What is the most common chronic illness in childhood
Asthma
Differences in pediatric ariway
Narrowest portion of the pediatric airway is below the cords
Trachea has much smaller diameter
Lower mid airway diameters are 1/2 the size of adults
What are some examples of conditions causing breathing cessation
Sudden infant death syndrome
Apnea of the newborn/prematurity
Acute life threatening event
What are the type of apnea?
Central: complete cessation of breathing with no respiratory effort. May be due to brain shutting down during sleep
Obstructive: absence of nasal airflow when respiratory efforts are present
What is the most common age range for SIDS?
90% >2 weeks & <6 months
SIDS causes/risk factors
Unexplained cause
Risk factors: sleep position, sibling death, nicotine exposure, socioeconomic status, lack of prenatal care, genetics, bedding, room temp
SIDS education
Positioning- back to sleep
Smoke avoidance
No co-bedding
No hat
Normal room temp
Pacifier good
What is infant apnea?
Cessation of breathing >20 sec, or pause associated with cyanosis, marked pallor, hypotonia, or bradycardia
What are signs/symptoms of croup
“cold progressing to hoarseness, cough
low grade fever
night-time increase in edema with: stridor, “seal bark” cough, respiratory distress, cyanosis
Recurs on several nights-less severe each night
Tell-tale signs of croup
Stridor and “seal bark” cough
How is mild croup managed
Reassurance
Moist, cool air
How is moderate croup managed?
steroid
racemic epinephrine
Severe croup management
Humidified high concentration oxygen
IV KVO if tolerated
Neb racemic epinephrine
What is the most important thing to keep in mind with epiglottitis
Medical emergency
Key symptoms of epiglottitis
Cherry red throat
Drooling
Tripodding
Asthma triggers
Infection (viruses)
Irritants
GERD
Allergies
Cold
Exercise
Pathophysiology of asthma
Bronchospasm
Bronchial edema
Increased mucus production
Status asthmaticus
unrelenting, respiratory distress with bronchospasms unresponsive to tx measures
Asthma diagnosis
Based on hx of recurrent problems
Pulmonary function tests (PFT’s)
Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)
Asthma management
Sitting position
Humidified O2 titrate based on O2 sats
Monitor for respiratory failure
Characteristics of bronchiolitis/RSV
Cough
Wheezing
SOB
Thick secretions
Worse in <1 yr of age
Starts as upper respiratory infection then moves into chest taking 2-4 weeks to subside
Bronchiolitis (RSV) signs/symptoms
Infant <1 year old
recent upper respiratory infection exposure
Gradual onset of respiratory distress
Crackles throughout
Expiratory wheezing
Extreme tachypnea
Cyanosis
Typically worsen for 5 days
Fever
Bronchiolitis management
Suction, position, avoid over stressing
Humidified oxygen
Monitor cardiac apnea
IV fluids (NPO) if poor intake or tachypnea
What is cystic fibrosis
Most common life-shortening genetic disorder
Autosomal recessive trait
