Final answer:
One additional concern with the airway of an infant is the risk of sleep apnea. Another concern is the risk of choking. The adjustments that occur at birth are also important for the infant's airway.
Step-by-step explanation:
One additional concern with the airway of an infant is the risk of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is the cessation of breath during sleep and can affect both adults and infants. In infants, especially premature babies, breath can stop repeatedly for longer periods of time, which can be very dangerous. To monitor this, one type of monitor uses electromagnetic induction to detect changes in the infant's breathing pattern. If the child stops breathing, the monitor alerts the parent.
Another concern with the airway of an infant is the risk of choking. Young children are more prone to choking because they often put small objects in their mouths without realizing the risk. They may choke on small toys, parts of toys, or even food. Certain foods that can adapt their shape to the pharynx, like bananas and marshmallows, are particularly dangerous.
Lastly, the airway of an infant is also affected by the adjustments that occur at birth. Prior to birth, the lungs are filled with amniotic fluid, mucus, and surfactant. As the fetus is squeezed through the birth canal, much of this fluid is expelled, but some remains. The first inhalation after birth serves to inflate the lungs and is critical for proper lung function. Preterm birth can result in respiratory distress due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant and inadequate gas exchange surfaces.