We’re thrilled to see that so many of you are as excited as we are about this pre-conference session.
Pre-Conference Session 1: Airway Pathology in the Neonate: Implications for Feeding and Breathing
Speakers: Yann-Fuu Kou, MD, Cynthia Wang, MD & Ashley Brown, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-SÂ 
Description: Airway pathology in neonates presents complex challenges that intersect the domains of breathing, feeding, and early communication development. For otolaryngologists and neonatal therapists, understanding the nuances of neonatal airway disorders is critical to accurate assessment and effective intervention. This lecture will review the anatomy and physiology of the neonatal airway, emphasizing common structural and dynamic pathologies such as laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia, subglottic stenosis, laryngeal clefts and vocal fold paralysis. Findings, work-up and interdisciplinary management strategies will be discussed.
Participants will explore how airway compromise influences suck–swallow–breathe coordination, airway protection, and early vocalization. Case examples will illustrate differential diagnosis between airway and oropharyngeal etiologies of dysphagia, and the interpretation of instrumental evaluations such as flexible endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and videofluoroscopic swallow studies.
The session will highlight the importance of collaborative practice in optimizing outcomes for medically fragile infants.
Objectives:
As a result of participation in this continuing education activity, participants should be able to:
1. Identify key structural and functional airway pathologies in neonates.
2. Compare how these airway pathologies can impact feeding and swallowing in the neonatal population.
3. Interpret information from the multidisciplinary evaluation to formulate a treatment plan for these children.
For more information about the speakers, click here.
Register for this pre-conference session by choosing package 2 or 4.