Table of Content
- Introduction
- What is Upper Airway Obstruction?
- What Are The Signs Of Upper Airway Obstruction PALS?
- What Are The Common Causes Of Upper Airway Obstruction PALS?
- What Are The Common Causes Of Lower Airway Obstruction PALS?
- Significance of Immediate Intervention for Upper Airway Obstruction PALS
- How to Prevent Upper Airway Obstruction in Children?
- Conclusion – Stay Prepared for Pediatric Emergencies
Introduction
Have you ever found your child struggling to breathe or turning blue? This could indicate an upper airway obstruction, which requires immediate emergency care. Children younger than four are more vulnerable to choking-related upper airway obstructions. Being aware of the causes of upper airway obstruction PALS will help you recognize and treat the life-threatening condition as soon as possible.
Read on to explore what causes airway obstruction in children and how to spot the signs to stay prepared in an emergency.
What is Upper Airway Obstruction?
Airway obstruction occurs when a small object gets stuck in a child’s throat or upper airway, making it difficult for them to breathe. Due to their smaller physiology, children’s airways can become blocked even with a piece of food or a small object like a coin or marble lodged in their throat.
This blockage causes narrowing or occlusion in the throat, limiting the ability to move air in and out of the lungs. It can quickly lead to respiratory failure, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and even death within minutes. Therefore, recognizing the signs and causes of upper airway obstruction PALS aids in prompt intervention to minimize the mortality rate.
What Are The Signs Of Upper Airway Obstruction PALS?
The symptoms of airway obstruction vary depending on the location and severity of the blockage. Children may appear lethargic, show signs of confusion, or exhibit cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin). They may have shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing, and in severe cases, may even lose consciousness. If it is upper airway obstruction, the child will be unable to breathe or speak, signaling the need for immediate intervention.
Below are the common signs of upper airway obstruction PALS.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is one of the most common signs of upper airway obstruction PALS happens when the victim’s airway is blocked or narrowed. When the airway is blocked or narrowed, it becomes difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs. This can cause discomfort and a sensation of suffocation.
Wheezing and Coughing
Wheezing, another symptom of PALS upper airway obstruction, is characterized by a high-pitched sound that occurs when the child struggles to breathe. This typically results from narrowing or blockage in the lower airway. Coughing, especially when it involves bringing up phlegm, is another common sign of airway obstruction and occurs when mucus or a foreign object is present in the airways.
Stridor
In severe cases of upper airway obstruction PALS, the victim might experience stridor, a harsh, high-pitched sound when breathing in. This usually follows chest discomfort, congestion, and difficulty swallowing. If left untreated, it can result in loss of consciousness due to a lack of oxygen supply.
What Are The Common Causes Of Upper Airway Obstruction PALS?
If you are a first responder, you might encounter a wide variety of airway obstructions and must be prepared to respond with appropriate medical care. The types and prevalence of airway obstructions vary depending on the child’s age. Studies show that 160 children aged 14 years or less died of choking incidents. Here are the most common causes of upper airway obstruction PALS.
Foreign Body Obstruction
Foreign body obstruction is the most frequent cause of upper airway obstruction in young children. They often put small objects like toys, food, and coins in their mouths, which can easily get lodged in the airway. This leads to sudden difficulty in breathing and requires immediate action to prevent breathing complications or choking.
Tongue-Related Obstruction
If a child is unconscious or has suffered a neurological injury, such as spinal cord damage, they may experience a relaxed tongue that can induce upper airway obstruction. In some cases, other injuries may complicate this condition. For instance, if a patient is unconscious after a blow to the head, they may also suffer from upper airway trauma, causing the tongue to block the airway.
Swelling
Swelling can obstruct a child’s airway within seconds, potentially caused by allergic reactions, croup, infections, or inflammatory conditions. When tissues surrounding the airway begin to swell, the passage narrows, leading to respiratory distress. Swelling can also induce excess mucus or saliva secretion, further interfering with normal breathing. Immediate medical intervention is required to reduce swelling and restore normal breathing.
Trauma
Injury to the neck or throat from a car accident or other physical trauma can cause bruising, swelling, or structural damage that may obstruct the airway in children. Swelling from such injuries compresses the airway, limiting airflow and making breathing difficult. In these cases, suctioning may be required to clear the airway, as the injuries can impair the brain’s ability to control breathing, coughing, and other respiratory functions.
Congenital Abnormalities
Some children are born with conditions like tracheomalacia or laryngomalacia, where the airway is not fully developed. This can cause the airway to collapse or become blocked, especially during feeding. These congenital abnormalities make children more prone to upper airway obstructions, often requiring specialized care and medical management.
What Are The Common Causes Of Lower Airway Obstruction PALS?
After exploring the causes of upper airway obstruction, it’s time to understand how small airways can be obstructed in acute lower airway obstruction PALS. Lower airway obstructions occur in the bronchi and bronchioles, which are the smaller airways in the lungs, and are often caused by conditions affecting the bronchial tubes. Identifying the type and cause of lower airway obstruction aids in receiving effective treatment. Here are some common causes:
Asthma
Asthma is a common condition in children, often triggered by allergic reactions. During an asthma attack, the bronchial tubes narrow, resulting in bronchospasm. A subtype, asthma with airflow obstruction, is characterized by persistent airflow limitation when exhaling.
COPD
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a group of lung diseases that block airflow, making breathing difficult. The condition causes swelling and irritation in the tubes that bring air into the lungs. Inflammation in these tubes, or bronchi, limits airflow, leading to the buildup of excess mucus.
Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the airways become abnormally wide or thickened. These damaged air passages allow bacteria to enter and mucus to accumulate in the lungs, leading to frequent infections and airway blockages.
Significance of Immediate Intervention for Upper Airway Obstruction PALS
When a child’s airway is blocked, their body cannot receive adequate oxygen, leading to respiratory distress. As the obstruction worsens, oxygen levels in the bloodstream decrease, resulting in hypoxia. Without immediate treatment, this can lead to respiratory failure, where the lungs can no longer supply sufficient oxygen to the body. In severe cases, the lack of oxygen can cause the heart to stop, leading to cardiac arrest.
In pediatric patients, this progression can occur rapidly due to their smaller airways and higher metabolic rates. Without prompt intervention, causes of upper airway obstruction PALS will escalate rapidly, causing irreversible damage to vital organs or even death. Being prepared to respond effectively in such situations can help prevent these serious outcomes in children.
Read More: Respiratory Distress and Respiratory Failure PALS
How to Prevent Upper Airway Obstruction in Children?
Preventing airway obstruction in children requires a strategic approach, including managing existing conditions and avoiding factors that could lead to a blockage. Here are some effective tips to help you stay proactive.
Supervise your Child’s Diet
Always keep an eye on your child while they are eating. Make sure they sit upright and avoid playing or running with food in their mouth. You can also try to cut your child’s food into small pieces to prevent choking on large bites.
Managing Existing Condition
If your child has a respiratory condition like allergies or asthma, follow the treatment plan provided by your pediatricians. This will include taking regular medication and avoiding triggers that could lead to airway obstruction. Additionally, schedule follow-up checkups to monitor their condition and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Adapt a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle can also help prevent airway obstruction. Encourage your child to engage in regular exercise and eat a balanced diet to strengthen their respiratory system. If they have allergies, keep your home clean and dust-free to reduce symptoms.
Read More: Basic Airway Management in Children
Conclusion – Stay Prepared for Pediatric Emergencies
Upper airway obstruction is common in children but also potentially life-threatening if left untreated. This is why you should learn the skills to recognize the signs and causes of upper airway obstruction PALS so that you can save the life of a child in pediatric emergencies while remaining calm and focused. Moreover, as a responsible parent, make sure to take note of your little one’s triggers, follow a treatment plan with your healthcare professional, and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Enroll in a PALS course to learn more!
References
- Upper Airway Obstruction – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- Acute and chronic airway obstruction in children – ScienceDirect
- Acute upper airway obstruction in children : Virtual Library
- Vol1No2Fulltext
- Imaging Acute Airway Obstruction in Infants and Children | RadioGraphics
- Acute Upper Airway Obstruction | Indian Journal of Pediatrics
