Acute epiglottitis

Question 1

what is epiglottitis?

Answer 1

a life-threatening airway obstruction in children aged 2-7 years caused by H influenzae

It results in inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis

Question 2

what are the symptoms ?

Answer 2

severe airflow obstruction

high fever

difficulty breathing

abnormal and high pitched breathing

they present with massive amounts of drool

Question 3

what are the causes of it?

Answer 3

haemophilus influenzae bacteria

Question 4

what investigations should be done ?

Answer 4

laryngoscopy

blood tests to detect WBC and bacteria

Question 5

what are the treatments?

Answer 5

urgent endotracheal intubation

IV antibiotics

Prevention vaccine given to infants

Do not inspect epiglottis until airway is patent

Question 6

what antibiotics are given>

Answer 6

ceftazidime

ceftiaxone

Question 7

what are the complications (mainly of H influenzae)

Answer 7

meningitis

diptheria

septic arthritis

osteomyelitis