Pediatric Lung Disease

Question 1

How does the pediatric upper airway differ from the adult?

Answer 1

Smaller, narrowest just below the vocal folds (vs. at vocal folds), increased resistance, small radius (more edema susceptible)

Question 2

How does the pediatric lower airway differ from the adult?

Answer 2

Smaller area, weak intercostals, horizontal ribs, flat diaphragm.

Question 3

How is croup treated?

Answer 3

Epinephrine/glucocorticoids if severe

Question 4

What is epiglottis?

Answer 4

A medical emergency, treat with intubation and antibiotics (H. influenzae)

Question 5

What is the serious version of croup?

Answer 5

Pseudomembranous croup. Treat by intubation and antibiotics (S. aureus).

Question 6

What are the common lower airway disease in children?

Answer 6

Congenital, bronchiolitis (RSV) and prevent with vaccine, and asthma.

Question 7

What is bronchopulmonary dysplasia?

Answer 7

Consequence of acute respiratory distress. Causes decreased exchange area, inflammation, and dysmorphic vasculature.
Present in oxygen toxicity, barotrauma, inflammation in immature lungs.
Develops in immature infants and leads to NM problems later in life