Upper Airway Obstruction

Abstract

General management guidelines For upper airway obstruction: (Do & Dont’s) • Child nursed in parent’s lap. • Avoid/minimise noxious stimulus. Do not – Inspect the orapharynx/Laryngoscopy – Send to radiology for X-ray – Insert IV line/take ABG • Humidified oxygen should be administered in non threatening manner (flow by O2) • In severe conditions intubation should be done in controlled settings (with facilities of emergency tracheostomy preferably in the PICU) in the presence of anaesthetist/pediatric intensevist using inhalation anaesthesia and using ET tube one size smaller than recommended for age. Danger sings of impending airway obstruction/ indication for intubation • Agitation • Inadequate respiratory effort • Fatigue • Diminished air entry / gasping • Drowsiness respiration • Cyanosis • Expiratory / absence of stridor • Tachycardia • Tachypnoea with severe retractions • Poor skeletal muscle tone