Upper Airway obstruction

• The epiglottis is a thin, leaf-shaped piece of cartilage that closes over the windpipe when you swallow to prevent food or drink from entering the lungs

  
• The respiratory system includes organs like the lungs, nose, mouth, throat, and trachea, working together to get oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide

  
• The lungs are made up of millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli, where oxygen from the air is taken into the blood and carbon dioxide is released into the air
• The uvula is a small, fleshy projection that hangs down from the back of the roof of the mouth

  
• Croup is a respiratory illness caused by a viral infection of the upper airway, characterized by a barking cough, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing

  
• Croup can be mild, moderate, or severe, and the management algorithm provides a step-by-step approach based on the severity of the illness
• Stridor is a harsh noise during inspiration due to a narrowing of the air passage of the oropharynx, subglottis, or trachea, and can be life-threatening
• Stridor can be acute or chronic, with various causes like infections, laryngomalacia, external compression, and more
• Laryngotracheobronchitis commonly affects children aged 6 months to 6 years, presenting with a barking cough and hoarseness of voice
• Epiglottitis is a swelling of the epiglottis, causing difficulty in breathing, and is considered a medical emergency
• Epiglottitis is most commonly caused by H. influenzae type B, presenting with high fever, systemic toxicity, and the 4 D's: dysphagia, drooling, dysphonia, and dyspnea
• Laryngomalacia is a congenital condition characterized by a soft larynx, usually improving with age but may require intervention if severe