Chapter 25: Respiratory Disorders in Children

Respiratory Disorders in Children details the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and nursing management for a wide spectrum of upper respiratory infections, including nasopharyngitis, acute pharyngitis, and sinusitis, while distinguishing between viral and bacterial etiologies to prevent complications like rheumatic fever. Significant attention is given to Croup syndromes, specifically comparing benign conditions like spasmodic laryngitis with acute laryngotracheobronchitis and the life-threatening medical emergency of epiglottitis, where the text emphasizes the absolute contraindication of throat visualization to prevent fatal laryngospasm. The summary moves to lower respiratory tract infections, exploring bronchitis, pneumonia, and the high prevalence of bronchiolitis caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), outlining contact isolation precautions and prophylactic measures with palivizumab. Surgical interventions are addressed through post-operative care for tonsillectomy, highlighting the need to monitor for frequent swallowing as a sign of hemorrhage. The chapter extensively covers chronic respiratory conditions, particularly asthma, detailing the four components of the disease, environmental triggers, and the step-wise approach to pharmacological management using bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and metered-dose inhalers. Furthermore, it provides an in-depth look at Cystic Fibrosis as a multisystem genetic disorder involving exocrine gland dysfunction, requiring complex care strategies such as chest physiotherapy, pancreatic enzyme replacement, and nutritional support. The discussion concludes with the management of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants, the protocols for smoke inhalation injury, and the critical preventative education regarding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and safe sleep environments.