Common Childhood Illnesses: Respiratory Infections

This flashcard set covers the anatomical differences, signs of respiratory distress, and management of common childhood respiratory illnesses including Croup, Bronchiolitis, and Acute Otitis Media.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

A common virus causing respiratory infections in children, specifically bronchiolitis, often occurring in winter and spring.

Cricoid

The anatomical point where the airway is at its smallest in infants and children.

Eustachian tubes

Structures that are short and open in infants, allowing organisms easy access to the middle ear.

Diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing

The type of irregular respiration used by children until school-age, resulting in increased oxygen consumption.

Orthopnea

Shortness of breath that occurs when a patient is lying flat.

Stridor

An abnormal respiratory sound that is usually inspiratory, indicating upper airway obstruction.

Seesaw abdominal breathing

An abnormal breathing pattern seen in infants during respiratory distress where the chest and abdomen move in opposite directions.

Normal respiratory rate (NB-3mo)

$30-60$ breaths per minute.

Normal respiratory rate (Age 12+)

$12-18$ breaths per minute.

Dexamethasone

An oral corticosteroid used as an anti-inflammatory to manage croup severity.

Croup Syndromes

A group of infections characterized by swelling of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, often presenting with a hoarse, barking cough.

Laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB)

The most common croup syndrome in children under $5$ years old; it is usually viral and starts as a cold.

Acute Epiglottitis

A medical emergency in children aged $2-5$ characterized by rapid onset, drooling, agitation, sore throat, and a tripod position.

Acute Tracheitis

A bacterial infection of the upper trachea and epiglottis characterized by thick, purulent secretions and high fever.

Racemic epinephrine

A nebulized medication used in acute care for severe croup to reduce airway swelling.

Heliox therapy

A treatment used in severe croup management if distress continues after $2-4$ hours of initial treatment.

Bronchiolitis

An acute viral infection of the bronchioles, rare after age $2$ and peaking between $2-8$ months, where air trapping occurs due to inadequate expiration.

Palivizumab

A monoclonal antibody (not a vaccine) administered IM during RSV season to high-risk children to prevent infection.

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

An infection of the middle ear frequently caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae, peaking between $6$ months and $2$ years.

Myringotomy

A surgical procedure involving an incision in the tympanic membrane and the placement of tubes to treat chronic ear problems.

Tripod position

A physical stance often taken by children with Acute Epiglottitis to help facilitate easier breathing.