Airway Management in Pediatric Head and Neck Infections

Infectious diseases of the head and neck in children are very common but may sometimes cause upper airway obstruction. Various degrees of respiratory distress are possible, but one will be extra-cautious with newborns and neonates, because the clinical features can evolve especially fast in young children. A child with a respiratory compromise should never be left unattended. Nasal, pharyngeal, and laryngeal airways can be involved and require specific management. Each time the airway of a child may be compromised, the pediatrician and otolaryngologist have to be prepared for the worst-case scenario: anticipation is essential and allows avoidance of serious troubles.