Epiglottitis Flashcards
What is epiglottitis?
Inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis causing severe airway obstruction and significant systemic illness.
Epiglottitis can be life-threatening due to airway compromise.
What is the most common infectious cause of epiglottitis?
Haemophilus influenzae type b
The incidence of Haemophilus influenzae type b has decreased due to widespread vaccination.
List two other infectious causes of epiglottitis.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Viral (HSV, infective mononucleosis)
Viral infections can also lead to epiglottitis, although they are less common.
Name two non-infectious causes of epiglottitis.
- Thermal injuries
- Chemical burns
Foreign body ingestion can also lead to inflammation of the epiglottis.
What age group is typically affected by epiglottitis?
Aged 2-7 years
Epiglottitis can occur at any age.
What are the acute symptoms of epiglottitis?
- Severe sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
- Muffled ‘hot potato’ voice
- Drooling
- Inspiratory stridor
These symptoms often present suddenly and require urgent medical attention.
What signs may indicate epiglottitis?
- Scared and quiet demeanor
- Toxic appearance
- Tripod position
- Extended neck and chin
- Signs of respiratory distress (tachycardia, hypoxia, use of accessory muscles)
The tripod position is a classic sign indicating respiratory distress.
What is the ‘thumbprint sign’ in the context of epiglottitis?
A soft tissue shadow on a lateral neck x-ray that looks like a thumb pressed into the trachea.
This radiological sign is indicative of significant swelling of the epiglottis.
List two differential diagnoses for sore throat in the context of epiglottitis.
- Acute tonsillitis
- Acute pharyngitis
Other differentials include peri-tonsillar abscess and deep neck space infections.
What is a key management step for suspected epiglottitis?
Alert senior paediatricians and anaesthetists.
Immediate expert involvement is critical due to the risk of airway obstruction.
What position should a patient with epiglottitis be managed in?
Upright position
This position helps ease breathing and reduces airway obstruction.
What are two airway management techniques for epiglottitis?
- Endotracheal intubation
- Surgical airway (e.g. tracheostomy or cricothyroidotomy)
Securing the airway is crucial as epiglottitis can lead to respiratory failure.
What additional measures should be taken in the management of epiglottitis?
- Nebulised adrenaline
- High flow oxygen
- IV broad-spectrum antibiotics (ceftriaxone)
- Corticosteroids (dexamethasone)
These measures help reduce inflammation and treat infection.
