Respiratory Function in children Flashcards
Respiration basics
Internal respiration refers to body tissue gas exchange
External respiration occurs in the lungs and involves the exchange in gases in the blood and lungs
Cellular respiration – energy in glucose is used to create STP, used by enzymes for cellular processes such as cell division
Differences between children and adults
Child’s trachea is smaller
More flexible cartilage supports the child’s trachea
Head positioning may compress airway
Narrow area increase resistance
Trachea narrower and shorter than adult hence greater risk of obstruction
Newborns have 25 million alveoli compared to 300 million in adults
Respiratory function in children
Higher oxygen consumption
Respiratory anatomy is underdeveloped until 12 years of age
Can easily become compromised
Intercostal muscles and diaphragm perform the work of breathing
Have a greater metabolic rate
Respiratory conditions
Asthma = external trigger cause symptoms
Croup = caused by parainfluenza, characterised by stridor and barking cough
Hyaline Membrane Syndrome = normally seen in premature babies with underdeveloped lungs
Bronchiolitis = Caused by RSV and characterised by increased work of breathing, decrease in oral intake, mottling and wheeze.
What is respiratory acidosis
-Build up of carbon dioxide
-the balance of the body is disrupted
body fluids become acidic
acute - dangerous due to rapid acidity and kidneys unable to produce the stabilising chemicals
Acidosis treatment
Bronchodilators
CPAP - continuous positive airway pressure
BiPAP - Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure
O2 - oxygen
What is Alkalosis
Excessive breathing causes decreased levels in CO2 in blood
Caused by anxiety, fear, hyperventilation
Asthma
Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the bronchioles
Most common cause of hospital admissions for children
Asthma medications
- Bronchodilators – PRN – acts within 5 mins
- Steroidal anti-inflammatory
- Preventers – corticosteroids
Asthma Triggers
Viral infections Food Allergens Weather Cold air Cigarette smoke
Manifestations of asthma
increased work of breathing accessory muscle use colour skin temperature mental status tachycardia tachypnoea coughing decreased oxygen saturations abdominal pain wheeze silent chest
Asthma Emergency symptoms
confusion exhaustion inability to speak Spo2 below 90% marked accessory muscle use and tachycardia
Asthma emergency treatment
Apply oxygen continuous Ventolin Neb 20 minutely Atrovent Neb for 1 hour Methylprednisolone 1mg/kg 6hourly IV salbutamol
