Epiglottis Flashcards
How does epiglottitis present?
Occurs most commonly in children aged 1 - 6years old but can occur at any age.
Very acute onset
• High fever in an ill, toxic-looking child
• An intensely painful throat
• Difficulty speaking & swallowing
• Soft Inspiratory stridor
• Rapidly increasing respiratory distress (hours)
Unlike croup a cough is not common
What is the pathophysiology of epiglottitis?
It is a life threatening URTI which can cause total upper airway obstruction.
It is caused by HIB but due to vaccination against HIB it is now very rare.
It causes severe swelling of the epiglottis and surrounding tissue associated with septicaemia.
How do you manage epiglottitis?
Do not do any investigations, as you want the child to remain calm, if they get upset they might fully obstruct there airway.
Paige a consultant ENT surgeon and Anaesthetist with experience in paediatric care.
The anaesthetist will intubate the child and the abx therapy will be commenced.
The ENT surgeon will be there in case the patient cannot be intubated and needs an emergency tracheostomy.
