Acute Severe Upper Airway Obstruction in Children

Author: Shane R. Sergent, DO

Upper airway obstruction (UAO) is potentially problematic in any population, but the incidence is more common in children given that they have small compliant airways. UAO in newborns is frequently from congenital abnormalities. In contrast, infants and young children have a spectrum of differentiated causes, the most common being acute infectious etiology. It is essential to recognize UAO early since increased work of breathing in these patients rapidly progresses to respiratory failure. This is because children have a decreased respiratory reserve patients. Therefore it is time critical to identify the cause and treatment.

Tips for Research

Author: Shane R. Sergent, DO

Research is fundamental to medicine. The future of medicine relies on scientific developments and, as such, clinical physicians should be at the forefront of such scientific progress. Research is defined by Merriam-Webster as an investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws. Although many of us feel that research is a term reserved for PhD students, it should be a critical part of all of our thought processes and delivery of patient care.