Upper Airway Obstruction/Croup (Paediatric)

Status
Identify possible cause
Assess presentation

Partial obstruction Passive techniques - Encourage cough - Gravity - Maintain BLS

Complete obstruction Use manual techniques - Gravity - Magill forceps - Finger sweeps - Laryngoscope - Lateral chest thrusts Back blows should not be used on newborns

Croup See below

Suspected Epiglottitis Do not inspect airway • BLS • Time critical Pt • Transport

Croup/suspected croup     Assess - Respiratory distress
Mild/Moderate • BLS • Treat as per Severe if Pt deteriorates		Severe Either: - Increasing respiratory distress - Increasing lethargy - Decreasing stridor Adrenaline neb 5mg/5ml. (1:1,000)
		If improved • Continue to monitor Pt • Transport       If unimproved • Repeat Adrenaline as above • Continue to monitor Pt • Transport

Special Notes

Signs of severe croup - agitation/distress - cyanosis - hypoxia - severe obstruction with marked - use of accessory muscles - decreasing SpO2

Neb. Adrenaline for croup is indicated for children presenting with signs of hypoxia, e.g. agitated, distressed, cyanosis, SpO2 of <92 % on air, or with severe obstruction indicated by marked use of accessory muscles.