What should be checked first if a child with a known respiratory condition presents with sudden respiratory distress?

When a child with a known respiratory condition presents with sudden respiratory distress, assessing airway patency is the most critical initial step. Ensuring that the airway is clear and unobstructed is essential because any blockage or swelling can lead to significant respiratory compromise.

In a respiratory emergency, the child may have secretions, foreign bodies, or other issues that impede airflow. If the airway is not patent, efforts to provide oxygen or administer medications will not be effective, and the child’s condition may deteriorate rapidly.

Immediate attention to airway patency allows for the most urgent interventions to be made, ensuring that the child can breathe adequately before addressing other potential contributing factors like medication, oxygen levels, or nasal airflow. This prioritization aligns with the principles of airway management, especially in pediatric patients, where the airway can be particularly sensitive and prone to rapid changes.