Pediatric Respiratory Issues

Flashcards covering key concepts from pediatric respiratory issues, including anatomical differences, conditions, symptoms, and treatments.

Obligate nose breathers

Infants primarily breathe through their noses, making nasal congestion a common cause of respiratory distress.

ET tube

Endotracheal tube used to maintain an open airway; size may vary for cuffed vs uncuffed.

Diaphragm positioned flat

A pediatric feature that impedes effective respirations, affecting tidal volume when stressed.

Asthma

A chronic condition that inflames and narrows the airways, leading to difficulty breathing and impaired lung function.

Bronchiolitis

A lower respiratory infection in infants under 1 year, often caused by RSV, characterized by mucous plugging in the alveoli.

Croup

An inflammation of the larynx and trachea, usually due to a viral infection, that manifests as a croupy cough and stridor.

Epiglottitis

Inflammation of the epiglottis, often a bacterial infection and a medical emergency, showing symptoms like drooling and difficulty swallowing.

Cystic Fibrosis

An autosomal recessive genetic disorder affecting secretory glands, resulting in thick mucus production affecting the lungs and pancreas.

Foreign Body Aspiration

An event most common in children under 4 where objects obstruct the airway, requiring immediate assessment and potentially BLS techniques.

Tuberculosis

A bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can remain latent or become active under stress.