Stridor, Cough, Noisy Breathing Flashcards
What is stridor?
a term used to describe noisy breathing, in general, and to revere specifically to a high pitched crowing sound associated with croup, resp infection, and airway obstruction
inspiratory stridor
typically caused by obstruction or above the level of the vocal cords UPPER AIRWAY
expriratory stridor
usually localized to the more distal tracheobronchial tree.
biphasic stridor
usually AT VOCAL CORDS
child presents with stridor, cough, agitiation, hunger for air, severe retractions, cyanosis
extra thoracic airway obstruction.
Croup is…
acute layrngotracheobronchitis
Describe croup
inflammation of upper airway is present, but edema of the subglottic space accounts for the predominant signs of airway obstruction
When is croup most common? with who? what ages?
fall and winter, 6 mos to 3 years, boys more than girls
What organism is known for calling croup
parainfluenza types 1,2,3
What type of organism could cause life threatening croup?
bacterial–they look really sick. toxic, distressed appearance.
child had URI symptoms for several days, and then presents with seal bark cough, and inspiratory stridor.
croup. they are typically in MILD-to severe respiratory distress.
What is another type of croup?
spasmodic croup (no URI, viral symptoms) occurs for several nights in a row.
What is the diagnosis for croup?
physical and history. HOWEVER, you can get a xray and see the “steeple sign”.
How should you treat croup?
depends on severity of symptoms.
mild= oral hydration and minimal handling.
mod/severe= humidified cool air, IM corticosteroids, inhaled racemic epinephrine, loosening of secretions, decrease airway irritation and anxiety.
What does giving corticosteroids orally do?
decrease airway inflammation
