Airway Infectious Disease Emergencies in Children

Upper and lower respiratory infections are commonly encountered in the emergency department (ED). Visits for respiratory disease account for 10% of pediatric emergency department visits and 20% of all pediatric hospital admissions [1]. The causes of upper airway infections include croup, epiglottitis, and retropharyngeal abscess-cellulitis (pharyngitis and peritonsillar abscess are described separately). Lower airway infections arise from bacterial and viral infections and cause illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Signs and symptoms overlap with upper and lower airway infections but differentiation is important for the appropriate treatment of these conditions. This article reviews the various clinical characteristics of upper and lower airway infections.