Category Pulmonary

Dexamethasone for Asthma

Reactive airway disease is a prevalent problem and, therefore, a common topic for the Morsels.  We have discussed my preference for MDIs over Nebs as well as the utility of Magnesium.  In addition, we have covered mechanical ventilation for asthma…

Delayed Diagnosis of Aspirated Foreign Body

We all know kids love to get objects stuck in areas where no foreign body should be. We have discussed this several times (the Nasal Foreign Body, the Ear Foreign Body, and the Ingested Foreign Body), but the Aspirated Foreign…

Recurrent Croup

Once again, a common theme of the Morsels is a need for vigilance. Unfortunately, sometimes those seemingly straight forward cases of vomiting in fact are due to an Inborn Error of Metabolism and it requires our vigilance to make the diagnosis.…

Atropine Not Needed for RSI

We have covered several other pediatric EM myths and misconceptions previously: Cuffed ETT are ok, a doughnut is not a good shape for LP Positioning, the 500:1 rule should not be used, Oral Rehydration is faster than IV, and you can/should give morphine…

Button Battery Ingestion

We all know that kids love to put odd objects in their mouths (and ears, and nostrils, and other interesting places).  We also know that this can cause significant problems and lead to true emergencies.  The location of the object…

Penicillin for Pneumonia

Infectious diseases are commonly considered when dealing with pediatric patients.  We have covered topics in this realm numerous times (I believe that this would be the 64th Morsel in the ID category).  One of the more prevalent considerations is pediatric…

Delayed Sequence Intubation

We often instruct with absolutes. “Never let the sun set on a pleural effusion.” “You’re not dead until you’re warm and dead.” “Never intubate an asthmatic.” Well, often medical decisions exist in a much less dichotomous realm. It is great…