Stridor Flashcards
What is stridor?
An abnormal high pitched noise created when air is moving through a narrowed airway
Stridor is a clinical sign and not a diagnosis or a disease.
What are the characteristics of stridor?
Predominantly inspiratory, may have an expiratory component (biphasic stridor)
Stridor is important to distinguish from wheeze.
What should be administered if stridor causes moderate or severe respiratory distress?
5 mg of nebulised adrenaline
Repeat nebulised adrenaline as required every ten minutes.
When should backup from an ICP/CCP be requested?
If the patient has severe respiratory distress or is deteriorating despite nebulised adrenaline
Why are children at higher risk of airway obstruction?
Children have narrower airways with less cartilaginous support
How should children be handled during transport if they have stridor?
Keep children calm and transport them in an approved restraint
What is the differential diagnosis for stridor?
- Croup
- Epiglottitis
- Tracheitis
- Foreign body airway obstruction
- Pharyngeal abscess
- Anaphylaxis
- Angioedema
What is croup?
A viral infection of the upper airway, most common cause of stridor in children aged six months to two years
What are the symptoms of croup?
- Onset of illness over preceding days
- Barking cough worse at night
- Low grade fever
What is epiglottitis?
A bacterial infection of the upper airway, historically most common in children aged 2-7 years but now more common in adults
What are the symptoms of epiglottitis?
- Very sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing (may cause drooling)
- High grade fever
Why is epiglottitis considered an emergency?
High risk of airway occlusion
What is tracheitis?
A bacterial infection of the trachea, primarily affecting children, often secondary to viral infection
Who is most at risk for foreign body aspiration?
Young children, the elderly, the intoxicated, or the intellectually impaired
What are the symptoms of pharyngeal abscess formation?
- Very sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- High grade fever
What is anaphylaxis causing stridor usually associated with?
Signs of systemic involvement, such as hypotension, bronchospasm, or rash
What is angioedema?
Intermittent, unpredictable and isolated swelling of the mouth, tongue, and/or face
What can trigger angioedema?
- Aspirin
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Fibrinolytic therapy
What is the recommended treatment for angioedema?
Nebulised adrenaline, but do not administer adrenaline IM or IV
management of prminenet airway oedema or bronocospasm in anaphylaxis
nebulsied adrenaline
