Epiglottitis Flashcards
1
Q
What is epiglottitis?
A
Infammation & swelling of epiglottis usually down to haemophilus influenzae B (Hib)
2
Q
How does epiglottitis present?
A
Very Visibly Ill Stridor Drool Fever Dyspnoea Rapid Onset Muffled Voice Severe Sore throat & dysphagia
3
Q
How do we approach epiglottitis?
A
Immediately secure airways with O2 and intubation
Then laryngoscope to look at throat (can also use XR or CT)
Can do throat swab for culture & viral Smear
Blood culture for bacteraemia
Blood test - raised WBC count
Treat with antibiotics
(also Hib Vaccine makes it quite rare these days)
4
Q
How do we differnetiate between croup & epiglottitis?
A
Croup:
Gradual Onset - Visibly Well - Barking Cough - Dyspnoea is mostly nocturnal
Epiglottitis:
Rapid Onset - Very visibly unwell - Less cough - Drool - Dysphagia - Dyspnoea is better when leaning forward
