Acute Epiglottitis Flashcards
Most common causative bacteria of epiglottitis
- Haemophilus influenzae B (the leading cause but now rare due to vaccination)
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
Define epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is a severe, potentially life-threatening inflammation of the epiglottis, the small flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue
Epiglottis function
protecting the airway by covering the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the lungs
4 D’s
Epiglottitis clinical presentations
- Dyspnoea
- Dysphagia
- Drooling
- Dysphonia (muffled “hot potato” voice in 54%)
- Acute sore throat
- High fever
Epiglottitis Mx
-
Secure the Airway:
Early escalation to the on-call anaesthetist.
Early escalation to the on-call ENT registrar.
Avoid exacerbating distress in the meantime. -
Oxygen
Parent can hold the mask near the child’s face. -
Nebulised Adrenaline
Bridging therapy whilst awaiting definitive airway management by reducing oedema of the upper airway mucosa - IV Antibiotics: cefotaxime/ceftriaxone/cefuroxime
- IV Steroids
Epiglottitis Mx
- Secure airways by calling aneasthetist OR urgent review by ENT
- IV Abx
Epiglottitis age prevalence
2-6 years
Epiglottitis VS Croup causative agents
Epiglottitis: bacterial, Haemophilus influenza B, Streptococcus pneumoniae
Croup: Viral, Parainfluenza 3, RSV, Adenovirus
Epiglottitis VS Croup location
Epiglottitis: the inflammation of the epiglottis, a flap of cartilage that sits above of the larynx (voice box). swollen and can block the airway, leading to respiratory obstruction.
Croup: Affects the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), and bronchi.
Inflammation primarily leads to narrowing of the upper airways, specifically the subglottic region, causing airway obstruction
Epiglottitis VS Croup lat. neck X-ray features
Epiglottitis: thumbprint sign
Croup: steeple sign
Epiglottitis VS Croup airway obstruction
Epiglottitis: Rapid + potentially complete
Croup: Partial + less severe
