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AIRWAY

The respiratory bronchioles turn into alveolar ducts.  These form alveolar sacs that are made up of the alveoli.  Gas exchange takes place between the alveoli and the capillaries in the lungs.

SNORING - Probably caused by the tongue obstructing the airway.

UNUSUAL BREATHING SOUNDS HEARD IN THE LOWER AIRWAY - 

CROWING - Probably caused by spasms in the larynx.

GURGLING - Often due to a foreign object, blood, or other fluid in the trachea.

RONCHI - Popping or snoring noises indicate a narrowing of larger airways.

WHEEZING - A high pitched shistling sound associated with a narrowing of or obstruction of the lower airway.

RALES - Secretions or fluid in lower airways.  Sounds range from crackling to gravelling or gugling.  Found most often in patients with CHF, associated with pulmonary edema.

Pediatric Emergencies Seen in Upper Airway - 

CROUP - A viral infection of the upper airway occuring in children between 6 months and 4 years old. ( Rarely seen in older children )  The child with croup is hoarse with a high pitched stridor called a seal bark.

EPIGLOTTITIS - A bacterial infection that produces swelling of the epiglottis - Age 3-7 .  The child will have a high fever, probably droll to avoid swallowing and will assume an upright "sniffing" position.  Never place anything in the mouth of these patients.  Severe laryngospasm may occur. 

Pediatric Emergencies Seen in Lower Airway - 

BRONCHITIS - Inflammation of the bronchioles caused by viral infection.  Symptoms include coughing and fever.

ASTHMA - Almost never seen in children under age 1.  Severe difficulty breathing with associated wheezing.

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Last modified: June 26, 2004 11:34:26 AM

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