Problems Encountered in Pediatric Airway Management:
Preschool children contract URTI several times per year
URTI increases the risk that a child under anesthesia may develop:
- Laryngospasm (an emergency of tight vocal cord closure) that may be relieved with CPAP, jaw thrust, or deepening the anesthetic (e.g. 1-2mg/kg propofol bolus). Sometimes succinylcholine is required, and intubation.
- Bronchospasms, even 3-4 weeks post URTI symptom resolution.
- May proceed with operation if patient lacks fever, wheeze, copious secretions, sleep apnea, or other complicating factors.
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