Epiglottitis Flashcards
Why cna epiglottitis be life threatening?
Can swell to point of obstructing the airway within hours of symptoms developing
When have high suspicion of epiglottitis - which children
Unvaccinated children with fever, sore throat difficulty swallowing that is sitting forward and drooling
Presentation suggesting epiglottitis
Sore throat and stridor
Drooling
Tripod position, sat forward with hand on each knee
High fever
Difficulty or painful swallowing
Muffled voice
Scared and unquiet child
Septic and unwell appearance
Investigations for epiglottitis
Lateral xray of neck -> thumb sign or thumbprint sign
Rule out foriegn body
What is the thumprint sign in epiglottitis?
Soft tissue shadow looks like thumb pressed into trachea caused by oedematous and swollen epiglottis
Management of epiglottitis
Do not distress patient - can cause AW closure
Alert most senior paediatrician and anaesthetist availabel
Ensure AW secure
Prepare for intubation although most patients wont need to
What happens around intubation?
Controlled environemtn to do a tracheotomy if AW completely closes
Transfer to ICU
Additional treatments once AW secure
IV antibiotics - ceftriaxone
Steroids - dexamethasone
Common complication of epiglottitis?
Epiglottic abscess
Also threatens AW
