Stridor in children Flashcards

1
Q

Stridor in children

A

Croup
Croup is a form of upper respiratory tract infection seen in infants and toddlers. It is characterised by stridor which is caused by a combination of laryngeal oedema and secretions. Parainfluenza viruses account for the majority of cases.

Epidemiology
peak incidence at 6 months - 3 years
more common in autumn

Features
stridor
barking cough (worse at night)
fever
coryzal symptoms

Acute epiglottitis
Acute epiglottitis is rare but serious infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B. Prompt recognition and treatment is essential as airway obstruction may develop. Epiglottitis generally occurs in children between the ages of 2 and 6 years. The incidence of epiglottitis has decreased since the introduction of the Hib vaccine

Features
rapid onset
unwell, toxic child
stridor
drooling of saliva

Laryngomalacia
Congenital abnormality of the larynx.

Infants typical present at 4 weeks of age with:
stridor

Inhaled foreign body
Symptoms depend on the site of impaction

Features are of sudden onset
coughing
choking
vomiting
stridor

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