Early Airway Clues: What Every Provider Needs to Know

Presented by: Laura Walls, MS, CCC-SLP

Original Lecture/ Publication Date: August 29, 2025 (Webinar Series)

Enjoy a Free Course Preview - Video Coming Soon

Course Description:

The pediatric airway is not just a smaller version of the adult airway! It is uniquely structured and functionally distinct, making it much more vulnerable to obstruction. This webinar explores the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the pediatric airway, including its funnel shape, narrower diameter, higher and more anterior larynx, relatively larger tongue, and softer cartilage composition. These differences, along with developmental changes in the cricoid cartilage position and obligate nasal breathing in infancy, have significant implications for breathing, feeding, and airway protection.

We will examine common causes of airway compromise, from congenital abnormalities and enlarged lymphoid tissue to acute infections, neuromuscular conditions, and obstructive sleep apnea. Poiseuille’s Law will be applied to illustrate why even minimal reductions in airway radius can drastically increase airflow resistance, leading to respiratory distress and secondary effects on posture, motor development, and swallowing.

Finally, attendees will learn about key clinical assessment tools, ranging from sleep questionnaires and myofunctional/airway evaluations to advanced swallowing studies (MBS and FEES), and how these guide targeted intervention strategies for improved airway function and quality of life in pediatric patients.

Learning Objectives:

• Spot the unique features that make a child’s airway more vulnerable than an adult’s.
• Understand why even small airway changes can cause big breathing problems.
• Recognize the most common causes of pediatric airway issues and their health impact.

Practical Applications for Dentists & Hygienists:

• Use simple screening tools to catch airway issues early.
• Plan care with pediatric airway anatomy in mind.
• Team up with other providers to improve breathing, feeding, and overall health in kids.

Conflicts of Interest: 

Affiliated with Innovative Oral Solutions.