Other respiratory conditions Flashcards
What is Stridor
Stridor is a narrowing and obstruction of the upper airways. It can indicate a life threatening issue.
What are some causes of stridor?
secondary to an infection, such as epiglottitis, croup or can be from another obstruction.
What are the sounds of stridor?
Inspiratory wheeze from upper airway obstruction.
Expiratory wheeze from lung/bronchi obstruction.
What is epiglottits?
Bacterial infection of upper airway.
Rare due to immunisation, but can be an emergency due to likelyhood of airway occulsion.
What are some signs of epiglottitis?
Difficulty swallowing, drooling, severe sore throat, illness and high fever.
What is the epiglottis?
The ‘flap’ stopping food from entering the trachea.
How do you treat stridor?
Netbulised adrenaline for moderator/severe respiratory distress. Repeat every 10 mins if required.
If suspected diagnosis is Croup, treat as per Croup CPG’s.
How do you treat Croup?
Nebulised adrenaline (moderate/severe). Prednisone syrup PO (not a priority).
What is croup?
Viral infection of the upper airway. Also known as “laryngotracheobronchitis”.
What are the signs of croup?
“barking” cough.
preceeded by illness
stridor
What is pneumonia?
Acute bacterial or viral infection of the lower airway or lungs. Can involve the alveoli.
What are some signs of pneumonia?
fever pain in the chest decreased breath sounds tachyponea crackles/rales
