Introduction
Physical Examination
General
Cyanosis
Labored respirations
Tachypnea
Chest wall retractions
Nasal Flaring
Coughing/Sneezing
Grunting
Stridor
Differential Diagnosis
Specific Diseases
References
Other Lectures
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The dynamics of the airway during inspiration and expiration are what determine the physical exam signs that are produced in patients with upper airway obstruction. There are many physical examination signs that can be present in the patient with URT obstruction. These are listed in the menu at the left.
The ideal physical exam sign of URT obstruction would appear early in the course of the disease, worsen as the disease progresses and be specific, not only to the respiratory tract itself, but to the upper airway in particular. The significance of each of the signs listed, especially in patients under 6 months of age, will be presented, emphasizing its diagnostic strengths and limitations along the lines of the ideal criteria presented above, before the specific disease entities themselves are discussed.
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