PEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY EMERGENCIES

Respiratory emergencies are among the most common causes of pediatric distress and can rapidly progress to cardiac arrest if untreated. Prompt recognition and management are crucial to stabilizing the patient and preventing further deterioration.

Types of Respiratory Emergencies:

• Upper Airway Obstruction: Conditions such as croup, foreign body aspiration, or anaphylaxis.
• Lower Airway Obstruction: Conditions such as asthma or bronchiolitis.
• Respiratory Failure: Inadequate oxygenation or ventilation requiring immediate intervention.

Initial Management:

• Provide high-flow oxygen.
• Use bag-mask ventilation for respiratory failure.
• Identify and treat underlying causes (e.g., epinephrine for anaphylaxis, albuterol for asthma).

Effective management of respiratory emergencies requires rapid assessment and targeted interventions to address the specific cause of distress.