Common Nasal and Airway Concerns in Pediatric Outpatient Care

This set of flashcards covers essential terminology and definitions relevant to common nasal and airway concerns in pediatric outpatient care.

Epistaxis

Common condition in children, characterized by nosebleeds, often originating from the anterior nasal septum.

Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma

A rare, benign, vascular tumor in the nasopharynx that affects adolescent males, causing unilateral nasal obstruction and epistaxis.

Nasal Fracture

The most common facial bone injury in children, often occurring around school age and during teenage years due to athletics.

Nasal Septal Hematoma

A condition characterized by a visible bulge from the septum, requiring urgent referral for drainage to avoid complications.

Choanal Atresia

Congenital obstruction of the nasal airway, presenting with nasal obstruction symptoms in neonates.

Sinusitis

Infection of the paranasal sinuses due to obstruction or congestion leading to bacterial growth.

Allergic Rhinitis

An inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa due to allergens, causing symptoms such as watery rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction.

Laryngomalacia

Congenital soft larynx leading to inspiratory collapse and stridor in infants, often presenting with feeding difficulties.

Tracheomalacia

Abnormal collapse of tracheal walls, which can be congenital or due to external compression, causing respiratory distress.

Nasal Decongestants

Medications that work by reducing edema of the nasal mucosa to relieve nasal congestion.

Antitussives

Drugs that decrease the sensitivity of the cough center, with limited effectiveness in children under 12 years.

Dextromethorphan

An antitussive medication indicated for temporary relief of nonproductive cough, with mild and infrequent side effects.

Pharyngitis

A common condition, often viral, causing sore throat and tonsillar swelling; bacterial cases are usually treated with antibiotics.

Peritonsillar Abscess

Complication of tonsillitis characterized by sore throat, fever, and asymmetric tonsils; requires immediate medical attention.

Epiglottitis

A life-threatening condition characterized by fever and difficulty swallowing, requiring urgent airway management.

Nasal Steroids

First-line treatment for allergic rhinitis, FDA-approved for children, with minimal side effects.

Allergen Immunotherapy

A treatment involving gradual exposure to allergens to build tolerance, typically overseen by an allergist.

Turbinate Hypertrophy

Enlargement of nasal turbinates leading to nasal obstruction; can be a cause of chronic nasal congestion.