Prior to extubation and in order to reduce airway narrowing after extubation it is advised to use

(A). Administration of intravenous dexamethasone 0.5 mg/kg every 6 hr for 4 doses prior to extubation has been shown to minimize the incidence of postextubation airway obstruction. In patients in whom postextubation airway obstruction develops, the need for re-intubation may be obviated by administration of nebulized racemic epinephrine and heliox.