Diseases

Overview of common pediatric diseases and neuromuscular disorders.
Important to understand the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of these conditions.

Age Range: 2-6 years old.
Onset: Sudden within 6-8 hours.
Cause: Bacterial infection (Haemophilus influenzae).
Clinical Features:
- Sore throat and hoarseness
- Drooling due to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- High fever and tachypnea
- Inspiratory stridor, jaw jutted forward, retractions, tripod position
Diagnosis:
- Clinical presentation and lateral neck X-ray showing “thumb sign”.
Management:
- Airway maintenance in upright position
- Intubation if necessary
- Administer antibiotics and humidified oxygen if not severe.

Age Range: 6 months - 6 years old.
Onset: 2-3 days.
Cause: Viral (often parainfluenza virus, RSV).
Clinical Features:
- Barking cough, inspiratory stridor
- Hoarseness and use of accessory muscles for breathing
- Mild fever, tachypnea, tachycardia
Diagnosis:
- Throat and blood cultures, AP neck X-ray with “steeple sign”.
Management:
- Administer cool aerosol with O2, racemic epinephrine, corticosteroids, and ensure rest.

Age Range: 6 months - 3 years old.
Onset: Immediate after inhalation.
Presentation:
- Violent coughing, dyspnea, cyanosis
- May develop fever if not removed, unilateral wheezing
Diagnosis:
- Chest X-ray showing air trapping and hyperinflation.
Management:
- Emergency oxygen therapy, bronchoscopy for viewing/removal, corticosteroids.

Age: < 1 year old.
Cause: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Diagnosis:
- Clinical signs (coryza, cough, wheezing) and viral culture.
Management:
- Monitor for apnea and hypoxia, use of ribavirin, suctioning, albuterol, and oxygen therapy.