Upper or Lower Airway Infection
Description: Upper or lower airway infections may cause dyspnea by obstructing airflow in the larger airways due to production of mucus and secretions (colds, diphtheria). Infections may also impair exchange of gases between the alveoli and the capillaries (pneumonia).
Diseases: Croup, Epiglottitis, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Pneumonia, Pertussis, Influenza type A, Tuberculosis
Treatment: Administer humidified oxygen for patients with upper airway infections and dyspnea. Do not suction or place OPA in pt. with suspected epiglottitis. Transport pt. promptly in position of comfort, usually upright and sitting forward for cases of epiglottitis.