Epiglottitis

Question 1

Epiglottitis Referral

Answer 1

-Any age with severe sore throat and not tolerating oral fluids should be referred for urgent assessment

Question 2

Epiglottitis Epidemiology

Answer 2

• Rare

- 2-5 years or 40-50

Question 3

Epiglottitis Aetiology

Answer 3

• Majority are Streptococcus spp.
• Viral and fungal as well
• Non-infectious causes e.g. irritatants
• Reactive e.g. head and neck chemotherapy

Question 4

Epiglottitis Presentation

Answer 4

• Sore throat
• Odynophagia
• Drooling
• Hot potato voice
• Fever
• Tripod positioning to move inflamed structures forwards
• Eventually progressing to more severe disease

Question 5

Epiglottitis Differentials

Answer 5

• Pharyngitis
• Laryngitis
• Inhaled foreign body
• Croup
• Retropharyngeal abscess

Question 6

Epiglottitis Investigations

Answer 6

• Never examine with tongue depressor
• Laryngoscopy is gold standard
• Lateral neck X ray if unavailable
• Swab when airway secure

Question 7

Epiglottitis Management

Answer 7

• High index of suspicion
• Management usually conservative with IV or oral antibiotics but intubation may be needed
• Surgical tracheostomy if intubation not possible

Question 8

Epiglottitis Complications

Answer 8

• Abscess
• Meningitis
• Sepsis
• Pneumothorax