At the conclusion of the lecture, the leaner should be able to:

• Perform initial assessment of a patient having an airway difficulty.
• Recognize signs and symptoms of airway obstruction and its severity.
• Know adequate work-ups to identify the site of airway problem.
• Know normal and abnormal airway anatomy seen on a flexible laryngoscopy

• Learn initial, non-invasive medical treatment options for an airway patient.
  • Supplemental oxygen
  • Racemic epinephrine
  • Corticosteroids
  • Antibiotics
  • Antihistamines
  • Heliox
  • CPAP/BiPAP

• Learn invasive methods of securing airway.
  • Bag-Valve-Mask ventilation
  • Nasopharyngeal airway
  • Oropharyngeal airway
  • Orotracheal intubation
  • Laryngeal mask airway

• Learn surgical options of securing airway
  • Flexible Fiberoptic Intubation
  • Benefits of transnasal approach vs. transoral approach
  • Direct laryngoscopic intubation
  • Telescopic rigid bronchoscopy with ventilation
  • Cricothyroidotomy
  • Emergent tracheostomy

Airway Signs to Diagnose Site of Airway Obstruction

Transnasal Intubation is typically easier than Transoral Intubation.

Preferred Staff & Equipment Positioning for Transnasal Fiberoptic Intubation

Pediatric Bronchoscope Sizing

Assembled Bronchoscope