Which factor makes pediatric airways more prone to obstruction compared to adults?

• A. Small tongues
• B. Decreased swelling
• C. Longer airway
• D. Large tongues can easily block airway especially if increased swelling or secretions

Answer: (D)

In children, the airway is small in diameter and the tongue is relatively large for the oral cavity. When muscles relax, or when swelling or secretions are present, that larger tongue can easily fall back and partially or completely occlude the airway. The impact of edema or mucus is amplified in a narrow passage, so even a small amount of swelling can dramatically increase resistance or block airflow. This combination—the proportionally large tongue and a small airway—makes pediatric airways much more prone to obstruction.

The other ideas don’t fit as well: a smaller tongue isn’t accurate for kids, and swelling actually increases obstruction risk rather than decreases it. The airway being longer isn’t the main issue in pediatric obstruction—the diameter and tongue size are. The statement that a large tongue can block airway especially with swelling or secretions best captures the key vulnerability in children.