Mouth: Epiglottitis

Question 1

Your diabetic patient presents with new development of sore throat over the last 24hours and a fever. He has pain with swallowing. Dx?

Answer 1

Epiglottitis

Question 2

A child presents to the urgent care clinic with fever, excessive drooling, and leaning forward - appears to have difficulty breathing. Dx?

Answer 2

Epiglottitis

Question 3

How can you confirm your Dx of Epiglottits?

Answer 3

Lateral neck x-ray and look for a “thumb sign”. Or laryngoscopy (must be done in controlled environment as it can cause airway spasm)

Question 4

How do you treat epiglottitis?

Answer 4

IV antibiotics (cefalosporin) & IV corticosteroids - with improvement switch to oral antibiotics. Monitor O2