2.7 Epiglottitis

Question 1

What pathogen typically causes epiglottitis?

Answer 1

Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib)

Question 2

What is a typical presentation of epiglottis?

Answer 2

Unvaccinated child with fever, sore throat, difficulty swelling and SITTING FORWARD and DROOLING

Question 3

What is important to do if you suspect epiglottitis?

Answer 3

Alert most senior paediatrician and anaesthetist.

Don’t examine child or distress them, leave them in comfort zone.

Question 4

What might a neck xray in epiglottitis show?

Answer 4

“thumbprint sign” / “thumb sign” is soft tissue shadow of swollen epiglottis.
(also excludes foreign body)

Question 5

Management of epiglottitis?

Answer 5

Secure airway / be ready to intubate or tracheostomy then ITU

• IV ceftriaxone
• dexamethasone

Question 6

Prognosis / risks in epiglottitis?

Answer 6

most recover well without needing intubation

epiglottic abscess can rarely form and is also a life threatening emergency