Less is More

Remember that for the vast majority, less is more. A workup is usually not indicated, pharmacotherapy is generally ineffective, spot check oximetry rather than continuous oximetry is usually adequate, and supportive care with simple nasal-prong oxygenation when indicated, HFNC only for treatment failures, increased feeding, and good parent education is usually all that is required.

Dr. Helman is an emergency physician at North York General Hospital in Toronto. He is an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, Division of Emergency Medicine, and the education innovation lead at the Schwartz/ Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute. He is the founder and host of Emergency Medicine Cases podcast and website.

References

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