Airway obstruction is a risk in young children because their windpipes haven’t fully developed yet, and as such are smaller and more prone to becoming obstructed. It is important to keep young children away from small toys, which could become a choking hazard, as well as to only feed them manageable bite-size pieces of food. As small children are likely to put things in their mouths, constant supervision is necessary.

Additional causes of airway obstruction in children might be complications from asthma, epiglottitis, inflammation or enlargement of the tonsils or adenoids, allergies, or gastroesophageal reflex, among others. The renowned ENT specialists at Pediatric ENT Associates in Birmingham, Alabama are specialists in throat conditions and airway obstruction treatment, and are members of the Aerodigestive Program at Children’s of Alabama. The Aerodigestive Clinic works together with other pediatric departments to create a comprehensive picture of airway obstruction treatment in order to provide the best care for your child.

Emergency Airway Obstruction Treatment in Children

If your child chokes on a toy or other object, it is a medical emergency and you should call 911 immediately. There are ways to remove foreign objects in the windpipe quickly and efficiently, however, a surgeon specifically trained in pediatric airway management is required.  The surgeons at PENTA all have the training and experience necessary to perform these procedures. The key is to act fast so that your child can be rescued quickly enough to prevent long-term complications.

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Severe allergic reactions and anything that completely closes your child’s windpipe should be treated as an emergency and help sought immediately. If your child experiences a severe allergic reaction, it is a good idea to bring him or her to a pediatric ENT specialist after emergency treatment so that measures can be taken to prevent such severe allergic reactions in the future.

Difficulty Breathing and Snoring

If your child breathes noisily, snores, and seems to have trouble drawing breath normally, they may be suffering from enlarged adenoids or tonsils. These can be caused by infection, or they can be naturally large. If you notice these signs in your child, bring them to the pediatric experts at Pediatric ENT Associates in Birmingham, Alabama for a full evaluation and treatment plan. Enlarged adenoids and tonsils can cause a number of symptoms, including difficulty breathing, lack of focus while awake due to not getting a restful night’s sleep, noisy breathing (also called stridor), and snoring. Your child’s voice may be affected as well if inflamed tonsils are not dealt with in a timely manner.

For more information on airway obstruction treatment, visit medlineplus.gov.

Schedule an Appointment with an ENT Specialist at Pediatric ENT Associates Today

If you notice that your child seems to be having trouble breathing, don’t hesitate to bring them to Pediatric ENT Associates in Birmingham, Alabama for an evaluation. To learn more about airway obstruction treatment and to schedule your appointment, call (205) 831-0101 today.