Pediatric emergency medicine trisk 2754 2754

CHAPTER 99 ■ PULMONARY EMERGENCIES KYLE A NELSON, ALEXANDER W HIRSCH, JOSHUA NAGLER GOALS OF EMERGENCY THERAPY Pulmonary emergencies are common in children, accounting for approximately 10% of pediatric emergency department (ED) visits and 20% of hospitalizations Significant respiratory distress, particularly impending respiratory failure, must be promptly recognized and effectively managed General approaches to improve oxygenation and ventilation are combined with therapy tailored to the underlying condition The differential diagnosis varies by age, with many conditions unique to specific pediatric age groups National guidelines are published for evaluation and management of asthma, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia, which have informed local clinical practice guidelines and development of measurable outcomes reflecting quality of care KEY POINTS An age-appropriate differential diagnosis must be considered when managing respiratory distress Normal vital sign ranges vary according to the age of the child Children with severe respiratory distress may rapidly decompensate and progress to respiratory failure RELATED CHAPTERS