Paediatric RESP Flashcards
(161 cards)
What is the proper medical name for croup?
Viral laryngotracheobronchitis
At what point of the year is croup most common?
Autumn
What age group is affected by croup?
6m to 3y, peak 2y
What is the main cause of croup?
Parainfluenza
Recall 3 differentials for croup
Laryngomalacia
Acute epiglottitis
Inhaled foreign body
Recall the signs and symptoms of croup
1st = coryzal Sx
2nd = barking cough (from vocal cord impairment) + stridor
What investigations should be done for croup?
Clinical diagnosis
DO NOT EXAMINE THROAT
What additional features differentiate moderate from mild croup?
Stridor
Sternal/ intercostal recession at rest
How should croup be managed?
Westley score determines admission
Admit if RR>60, or complications
DEXAMETHOSONE TO ALL
For mild: discharge
For moderate: admit
For severe: admit and add nebulised adrenaline to dex
For impending respiratory failure: same as severe
What are the parameters of the Westley croup score?
Level of consciousness (5)
Cyanosis (5)
Stridor (2)
Air entry (2)
Retractions (3)
If a CXR is performed in croup, what signs are seen?
PA: subglottic narrowing- “steeple sign”
What is the most likely complication of croup?
Secondary bacterial superinfection
Give 2 symptoms/ signs of inhaled foreign body
Acute onset breathlessness
Focal wheeze
What may be seen on CXR if there is inhalation of a foreign body?
NORMAL: majority of FBs are radiolucent
Increased volume + translucency of affected lung (FB creates a valve- air can only enter)
What is the definitive investigation and management for an inhaled foreign body?
Bronchoscopy
What is the most common cause of acute epiglottitis?
Haemophilus influenza B (bacteria!!!!) hence is quite uncommon as vaccinated against
What are the signs and symptoms of acute epiglottitis?
Medical emergency
No cough as in croup
High-fever (‘toxic-looking’)
Stridor is soft inspiratory with high RR
“Hot potato” speech
DROOLING as child cannot swallow
Immobile, upright + open mouth: ‘tripod sign’
What sign would be seen on a lateral CXR in acute epiglottitis?
Swelling of epiglottis: Thumb sign
How should acute epiglottitis be investigated and managed?
Do not lie child down or examine their throat (may precipitate a total obstruction)
- Immediately refer to ENT, paeds + anaesthetics –> transfer + secure airway
- Once airway is secured, blood culture, empirical Abx (cefuroxime) + dexamethosone
In what age range is bronchiolitis seen?
1-9 months
3-6 month peak
What is the most common cause of bronchiolitis?
RSV in 80%
What are the signs and symptoms of bronchiolitis?
1st URTI sx: cough, rhinorrhoea, low fever
2nd = dry, wheezy cough, SOB, grunting, feeding difficulties
Give 3 key features of bronchiolitis
persistent cough
+
tachypnoea or chest recession (or both) +
wheeze or crackles on auscultation (or both).
What are the examianation findings in bronchiolitis?
To distinguish from croup/ other ‘itis’
Auscultate: fine, bi-basal, end-inspiratory crackles