Abstract
In order to understand the characteristics of airway disturbances in children, the cases of infants and children with airway disturbances who were seen at the Jikei University Hospital during the past six years were reviewed statistically.
A total of 110 cases were included in this study. Among these cases there were slightly more males and infants under one year with a tendency of decrease in older children. The common underlying diseases included laryngomalacia, foreign bodies in the bronchus, tonsillar hypertrophy and adenoid vegetation.
Most patients were brought in for examination of stridor (wheezing), dyspnea and hoarseness. To facilitate correct diagnoses, endoscopic examinations have been performed with increasing frequency since the introduction of the FOB (fiberoptic bronchoscope).
From the results of the present study, it was considered that the most important points in the management of these cases are to ascertain the causes and to obtain the cooperation of the departments concerned. Diagnosis and treatment should be made on the basis of good knowledge of the characteristics of airway diseases in children.
