22.2c Pediatric Airway

The pediatric airway is smaller in all aspects, particularly the ?.

diameters of the openings and passageways

In the pediatric pharynx, the jaw is smaller and the tongue relatively larger, resulting in ?.

more potential airway encroachment

The epiglottis is much ?.

floppier and rounder (“omega” shaped)

The dental (alveolar) ridge and teeth are ? than an adult’s and potentially more subject to damage from airway maneuvers.

softer and more fragile

The larynx lies more ? in children than in adults

superior and anterior

The pediatric larynx is ? because the cricoid cartilage is undeveloped

funnel shaped

Before the age of 10, the cricoid cartilage is the ? part of the airway.

narrowest

Most significantly, even a small foreign body or a limited degree of swelling in the pediatric airway can be ?.

life threatening

Because of this, young children tend to suffer more problems related to the ? than do older children.

trachea

A common example is ?, a viral infection that causes the soft tissues below the glottis to swell.

croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)

Croup can reduce the airway’s diameter, potentially causing ?.

turbulent airflow and a distinctive cough

The ribs and the cartilage of the pediatric thoracic cage are ?.

soft and pliable

This lack of rigidity lessens the ability of the thoracic wall and accessory muscles to ?.

assist lung expansion during inspiration

As a result, infants and children tend to rely more on their ? for breathing.

diaphragms