acute laryngotracheobronchitis

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

It is an occasional but striking complication of upper respiratory tract infections, particularly those caused by parainfluenza viruses and measles

Question 2

what is the pathology ?

Answer 2

Inflammatory oedema extends to the vocal cords and the epiglottis causing narrowing of the airway

progressive airway obstruction may occur

Question 3

what are the symptoms?

Answer 3

voice becomes hoarse

barking cough

audible stridor

if there is progressive airway obstruction - use of accessory muscles and potential central cyanosis

Question 4

what is the treatment?

Answer 4

nebulised adrenaline gives short term relief

oral or i.m. corticosteroids (dexamethasone) should be given with oxygen and adequate fluids

if steroids are used - endotracheal intubation is rarely necessary

rarely a tracheostomy is required

Question 5

what corticosteroid is given?

Answer 5

dexamethasone