Dr Jane Heraghty, Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at Evelina London Children’s Hospital joined us to answer questions on the TOFS Cough and Tracheo-oesophagel fistula respiratory health. [Tip: Use the quick links below to jump to any part of the video]
00:00 Introduction
01:30 Presentation: Tracheo-oesophagel fistula and respiratory health
01:55 OA/TOF anatomy
02:23 Normal airway anatomy
03:22 Tracheo-oesophageal pits
04:10 Tracheomalacia
04:54 Respiratory issues in OA/TOF children
06:45 History: Clinic proforma
13:08 History: Respiratory
15:38 History: Feeding
16:28 Examination
18:08 Investigations
20:51 Management
24:41 Management: Physiotherapy
Q&A
29:45 Why is this year particularly worse than previous years for respiratory issues?
31:55 When would antibiotics be needed for a chest infection?
34:19 What guidance is there for a child who has had multiple chest infections but is already on medication?
36:40 What alternatives to antibiotics are there?
38:16 Is it possible to get pneumonia again?
39:49 Does having a sub epiglottic cyst worsen respiratory symptoms for a child born with TOF/OA?
41:03 Could having water or phlegm hanging around in the lower area of the throat be a sign of infection?
42:46 What would you suggest post Aortopexy with regards to chest infections, prevention and management without hospitalisation?
43:25 My baby has had 7 chest infections this year. Is there anything we can do?
45:04 How can I differentiate between a TOF cough, croup, or other chest infection?
46:49 How would you manage asthma alongside OA/TOF?
48:38 What would you recommend as the best saline or medication to use in a nebuliser when children have a cold or cough?
49:13 How can we help coughing without the need to result to steroids?
49:50 My daughter is taking co-amoxiclav and prednisolone steroids to help her manage her TOF cough. Is there an alternative regime you could suggest?
50:35 How can we better manage vomiting triggered by coughing?
51:50 How do we know if a cough is reflux related or chest related due to an infection?
53:04 My 3 year old’s cough when she has a cold is awful especially at night. What can we do?
54:19 Does using Vicks or Olbas Oil make any difference?
54:59 At which point should a child with a wet cough require antibiotics?
55:35 Any tips on how to encourage a child to take their medicine?
56:45 Can damage through multiple chest infections be reversed?
Information correct at time of recording (2022). Click here to read our disclaimer.
