Pathophysiology
Assessment Questions
Air obstruction among children may happen at different levels of the anatomical. Air obstruction can either be complete or partial blockage of the air tubes and can as well happen abruptly or even over a gradual course of time (Andreas, 2015). The following are the assessment questions that mothers should learn about the problem of their children.
Such questions include: Are the air tubes obstructed? Is the blockage partial or complete? Assessment of these questions is done by looking at the choking history of the child. Secondly, Is the child breathing? Assessment of this question is done through listening, looking, and feeling. Lastly, Does the patient have any severe respiratory cyanosis or distress (blueness)? (Andreas, 2015). These assessment questions are essential for the mother to be aware of the proper assessment of their children if air obstruction happens.
Pathophysiologic Events
As the diameter of airways narrows in either one direction, the flow of air to the lungs through the narrowed part becomes turbulent and also loses the characteristics of its laminar. The Air column normally has vertical and lateral forces. Thus, as the air continues to flow via the narrowed part, the child loses lateral force, and, in return, turbulence occurs. In other words, it results in the venturi effect (Cant, 2020). The more the velocity of the air entering through the mouth or the nose, the more venturi effect becomes. Therefore, calming the child down is of importance to restore laminar flow.
Structure of the Neurologic System
The respiratory system, like all other systems in the body, is also innervated by various sensory nerves as well as by nerves of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. This variety of nerves in the respiratory system regulates all functions of cells that are with the complex air tubes. The activation of these nerves by chemical stimuli and mechanical in children elicits various defensive reflexes. Air obstruction alters nerve reflexes and results in various symptoms (Cant, 2020). The most neurologic structure most impacted the symptoms of air obstruction in children is the communication of the respiratory and nervous system through the foramina found in the ethmoid bone.
What Happens at The Cellular Level?
Respiratory involves many cells like lymphocytes, macrophage cells, and mast cells. The symptoms of air obstruction, in turn, increases the level of leukotrienes, histamine as well as other inflammatory mediators of breathing response. The level of mucus production due to inflammation and bronchospasm or hyperreactivity of airways (Pfleger & Eber, 2013). Bronchoconstriction, inflammation and higher levels of secretions also contribute significantly to the air obstruction
Key Considerations of Educating Symptoms of Air Obstruction
In regards to symptoms of air obstruction, parents should be educated on the symptoms that exhibit among children. Parents are, therefore, supposed to be aware of symptoms such as gagging or chocking, struggle in breathing, vomiting, and the child is turning blue (Pfleger & Eber, 2013). Parents, therefore, are aware that the child becoming unconscious is also a symptom of air obstruction.
Additionally, another key consideration is to educate mothers and caregivers on the causes of air obstruction among children. Thus, parents are supposed to be educated on how the blockage of the airways can happen since the risk of choking among young children is high before the child has fully developed all teeth and when the muscles that control swallowing are not fully developed.
References
Andreas, M. (2015). Problems with the airway and breathing. Acute Illness Management, 77-123. doi:10.4135/9781446288825.n4
Cant, A. (2020). Paediatric Respiratory Assessment. Pediatric Respiratory Reviews, 2(2), 197. doi:10.1053/prrv.2001.0135
Pfleger, A., & Eber, E. (2013). Management of acute severe upper airway obstruction in children. Pediatric Respiratory Reviews, 14(2), 70-77. doi:10.1016/j.prrv.2013.02.010