Throat Flashcards
What is croup?
Acute laryngotracheobronchitis
Inflammation of the larynx, trachea and bronchi which results in airway obstruction
What is the most common cause of croup?
Parainfluenza type I
What are the clinical features of croup?
Usually between age 6 months to 5 years
Preceded but URTI symptoms
Biphasic Stridor
Croupy cough
Supraglottic area appears normal
AP x-ray of the neck > “Steeple sign”
Classify Croup
Grade 1: Inspiratory stridor
Grade 2: Inspiratory + Expiratory stridor
Grade 3: Inspiratory + Expiratory stridor + Pulses paradoxes
Grade 4: Severe obstruction + Cynosis + Apathy
What is the management of croup?
If severe…
Admit to hospital
Oxygen + Epinephrine given by nebulizer (to children with moderate to severe croup.)
IV Fluids
Dexamethasone — PO syrup or IV or IM injection
Observe for 3-4 hours
Intubation if not relieved
What is Acute Epiglottitis?
Acute inflammation of the epiglottis and supraglottic structures of the larynx without involvement of the vocal cords
What is the most common caustive organism?
H. influenza type B
What are the clinical features of Acute Epiglottitis?
Common age 1 - 4 years
Rapid onset
Look acutely ill
Fever
Anorexia
Restlessness
Inspiratory stridor
Cyanosis
Clear lungs
Open mouth, tongue out, drooling
Dysphagia
What is the management of acute epiglottitis?
Prepare for intubation
Secure the airway
IV fliuds
Antibiotics - Ceftriaxone
Humidifier
What are the causes of stridor in children?
Croup
Foreign body
Acute epiglottitis
URTI
Trauma - post intubation
Retropharyngeal abscess
What are the causes of an acute sore throat in an adult?
Strep throat
Viral tonsillitis
Peritonsillar abscess (Quinsy)
What are the causes of a sore throat in children?
Viral tonsilitis
Infectious mononucleosis
Discuss Quinsy
Peri-tonsillar abscess which lies between the tonsil and superior constrictor muscle
Caused by Beta-haemolytic strep
Unilateral > deviation of uvela
“Hot potato” voice
Managed with incision and drainage + antibiotics
Tonsilectomy if recurrent
What are the 3 phases of swallowing
Oral
Pharyngeal
Oesophageal
