Pediatric airway disorders

What are pediatric airway disorders?

Airway disorders occur when a child’s airway is obstructed or damaged.

The airway is made up of four structures:

1. Bronchi (lung passages)

2. Larynx (voice box)

3. Pharynx (back of the mouth and nose)

4. Trachea (windpipe)

What are the different types of pediatric airway disorders?

There are many types of pediatric airway disorders, some that are very complex.

A few of the most common types of airway disorders include:

• Esophageal foreign bodies

• Congenital (present at birth)

• Stridor (noisy breathing)

• Subglottic stenosis

• Tracheal stenosis

• Vocal cord paralysis

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric airway disorders?

Symptoms of airway disorders can vary by the type.

Some of the common symptoms include:

• Coughing

• Difficulty breathing

• Shortness of breath or noisy breathing

• Wheezing

What are the causes of pediatric airway disorders?

Several diseases, illnesses or congenital defects can affect any part of the airway, hindering a child’s ability to breath.