Epiglottitis

Question 1

What is the causative agent of epiglottitis?

Answer 1

Haemophilus Influenzae

Question 2

What are some SSx of epiglottitis?

Answer 2

ADD AIR NURSE

Abnormal position (tripoding)
Dysphagia (drooling)
Difficulty speaking (muffled/soft)

Apprehension
Increased temperature
RAPID onset (sore throat)

Nasal flaring
Using accessory muscles
Retractions 
Stirdor
Enlarged epiglottitis

Question 3

What sign might you see on a lateral X-ray of neck in a patient with epiglottitis?

Answer 3

thumb sign

Question 4

Why cannot perform total ENT exam or lie child down in epiglottitis?

Answer 4

May precipitate total airway obstruction

Question 5

What is 1st line investigation for epiglottitis?

Answer 5

Examination under anaesthesia –> secure the airway i.e tracheal intubation

Use fibre-optic laryngoscope (Gold standard)

Question 6

Treatment for epiglottitis?

Answer 6

Sit patient up
IV Abx i.e Cefotaxime or Ceftriaxone (2nd or 3rd gen cephalosporin)
Nebulised adrenaline? –> may buy time before going to hospital?

Question 7

Differences between croup and epiglottitis?

Answer 7

Croup has cough while no cough in epiglottitis
Croup has gradual onset while epiglottitis has rapid onset
No drooling in croup while drooling in epiglottitis