MEDRADSC 2I03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Respiratory Tract, Haemophilus Influenzae, Croup

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Medical Radiation Sciences
• Course: MEDRADSC 2I03
• Professor: Sandra Charbonneau

Document Summary

Inflammatory disorders & foreign bodies of the upper respiratory tract. 3 divisions: nasopharynx (most superior, oropharynx (area of upper resp that involves the mouth) Location: inflammatory obstructive swelling localized to subglottic portion of trachea; swelling below the epiglottis. S&s: edema causes characteristic barking cough, heavy breathing (stridor); depends on degree of obstruction. Diagnosis: ap & lateral soft tissue neck (valsalva movement = breathing technique to increase pressure to demonstrate the soft tissue characteristics; bearing down on breath so more air is placed in the trachea) Treatment: cool mist, steam from a hot shower, if difficult breathing then medical intervention, corticosteroids. Radiographic appearance: ap will best demonstrate a tapered narrowing of the subglottic portion of the trachea; called a gothic arch sign or an hourglass appearance; hallmark on ap radiograph is an hourglass shape to airway. See the hourglass shape or gothic arch sign (more of a point) Same width all the way around; epiglottis w broad shouldering; no narrowed segment.