Respiratory distress in children and adolescents.
10.5124/jkma.2014.57.8.685
- Author:
Seung Jun CHOI
1
;
Hoi Soo YOON
;
Jong Seo YOON
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. pedjsyoon@catholic.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Respiratory distress;
Respiratory insufficiency;
Child;
Adolescent
- MeSH:
Adolescent*;
Adult;
Child*;
First Aid;
Humans;
Intubation, Intratracheal;
Oxygen;
Physical Examination;
Positive-Pressure Respiration;
Respiratory Insufficiency;
Respiratory Tract Infections;
Ventilators, Mechanical
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2014;57(8):685-692
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Respiratory distress is not uncommon in children and adolescents, who are at higher risk of progressing into respiratory failure than adults. When managing dyspneic pediatric patients, a clinical history and physical examination should be performed simultaneously and must be followed up by prompt first aid, including oxygen supplementation. Prior to initiating an invasive therapy such as endotracheal intubation, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation should first be considered. This method may be effective in patients with chronic respiratory distress and failure. The prevention and proper management of respiratory infections are also important in affected patients. If chronic respiratory distress deteriorates into respiratory failure, a portable home mechanical ventilator may be needed.
