Epiglottitis

Question 1

What is epiglottitis?

Answer 1

Epiglottitis, or supraglottitis, is an inflammation of the lining of the cartilaginous tissue that protects the airway during swallowing.

Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. The throat should not be examined due to risk of complete airway obstruction.

Most prevalent in paediatrics aged 2-6 years.

Question 2

What are the clinical features of epiglottitis?

Answer 2

1. High fever
2. Sore throat/difficulty swallowing
3. Stridor/respiratory distress
4. Drooling
5. Hoarse voice

Question 3

What are possible other causes to consider?

Answer 3

1. Inhaled foreign body
2. Croup
3. Bacterial tracheitis

Question 4

Outline the treatment protocol for epiglottitis.

Answer 4

1. Do not visualise the airway
2. Calm the patient
3. Allow the patient to assume a position of comfort
4. Avoid IV access attempts unless active resuscitation required
5. Consider O2