Epiglottitis

Question 1

Why is epiglottitis an emergency?

Answer 1

Because it is rapidly progressive and respiratory arrest can occur abruptly due to airway obstruction.

Question 2

What is this a presentation of?
Little prodrome, short history of fever, irritability, and sore throat, pooling and drooling of saliva, muffled voice or cry, leaning forward cough is absent.

Answer 2

Epiglottitis

Question 3

What are the three D’s of epiglottitis?

Answer 3

Drooling, dysphagia, distress

Question 4

What is the most common cause of epiglottitis?

Answer 4

Haemophilus influenzae

Question 5

What is the general management for epiglottitis?

Answer 5

1. Keep patient upright
2. Do not examine throat or cause distress
3. Summon anaesthetists and ENT surgeon
4. Diagnosis made at laryngoscopy
5. Patient intubated

Question 6

What is the treatment for epiglottitis?

Answer 6

Dexamethasone and cefotaxime