Acute Stridor

Author: Adrian Robert Marsh / Editor: Nicola McDonald / Reviewer: Iolo Roberts, Peter Kilgour, Adrian Robert Marsh / Code: / Published: 17/05/2021 / Reviewed: 05/09/2024

Children commonly present in the Emergency Department (ED) with stridor. Stridor is a sign of upper airway obstruction. An ED physician must be able to diagnose, initiate treatment, appropriately investigate, anticipate and manage complications.

After completing this session you will be able to:

  • Recognise life-threatening airway obstruction
  • Describe the pathophysiology of infective, allergic and obstructive causes of acute stridor
  • Explain how to assess a child with acute stridor
  • Explain how to avoid precipitating airway obstruction
  • Explain the management of acute stridor in children
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