Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
[Evaluation of the pediatric airway]
1Universitäts-Kinderkliniken, Chirurgische Klinik, ORL-Abteilung, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032 Zurich. claudine.gysin@kispi.uzh.ch
Abstract:
Obstruction is the most common manifestation of airway pathology by children. The practitioner may be confronted to this relatively frequent problem. The pathology spectrum is very wide, and includes congenital malformations, infections, traumas, and tumours. The most frequent etiology of congenital upper airway obstruction is laryngomalacia. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is by far the most common cause of obstruction by children aged 2 - 7 years. The medical history and the clinical examination allow to determine the degree of emergency, to orientate the diagnosis, and to decide when to refer the patient to a specialist. Endoscopy is the gold standard examination for diagnosis. In some cases, others investigations, such as radiological examinations, may be necessary.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
