PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Alexandre T Rotta AU - Budi Wiryawan TI - Respiratory Emergencies in Children DP - 2003 Mar 01 TA - Respiratory Care PG - 248--260 VI - 48 IP - 3 4099 - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/48/3/248.short 4100 - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/48/3/248.full AB - Acute obstructive respiratory emergencies in children are a common cause of emergency department visits. The severity of these conditions ranges from mild, self-limited disease to life-threatening forms of rapidly progressive airway obstruction. A high index of suspicion is necessary for prompt diagnosis and treatment. This review discusses general principles of assessing and managing respiratory emergencies in children, as well as clinical characteristics and treatment of specific conditions such as croup, epiglottitis, bacterial tracheitis, retropharyngeal abscess, foreign bodies, and inhalational injuries.