Airway obstruction Flashcards Preview

ENT Year 2 Medicine > Airway obstruction > Flashcards

Flashcards in Airway obstruction Deck (9)
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1
Q

Why are babies obligate nasal breathers?

A

The epiglottis sits at the same level as the palate, enables them to breath whilst breastfeeding.

2
Q

Why are babies at an increased risk of an airway obstruction?

A

They have a small soft larynx
Epiglottis is not rigid
Narrow sub-glottis

3
Q

The smaller the diameter of the airway, the lower the resistance so decreases the work of breathing. T/F

A

False
The smaller the diameter of the airway
The larger the resistance
So increases the work of breathing

4
Q

List some causes of airway obstruction

A
Inflammatory Infective Allergic
Foreign body
Neuroligical
Neoplastic
Physical compression
Trauma
Burns
Congenital
5
Q

What is stertor?

A

Low pitched sound arising from partially blocked supra glottis.

6
Q

What is sub glottal stenosis?

A

Congenital narrowing of to sub glottis

7
Q

What is adult sub glottal stenosis linked to ?

A

Small vessel vasculitis or sarcoidosis

8
Q

If a women in her 40s presents with sub glottal stenosis what is the likely aetiology?

A

idiopathic

9
Q

Why do burn victims need to be intubated as quickly as possible?

A

Due to the inhalation of hot gases and ash the airways become massively and rapidly irritated leading to wide spread inflammation which prevents intubation.