Difficult Airways, Difficult Physiology and Difficult Technology: Respiratory Treatment of the Special Needs Child

Continued advances in medical care and technology have led to an ever-increasing population of children with specialized respiratory needs. These children often have complex anatomy and altered physiology that may lead to a compromised airway or decreased pulmonary reserve in an acute illness. It is essential for emergency care providers to be familiar with the management of these children, including airway equipment, medications, and technology. This management must be necessarily tailored to each child's unique needs and physiology. This article will discuss both the general management and disease-specific details of the child with complex respiratory pathology.