Epiglottitis

Question 1

What is the most common cause of epiglottitis?

Answer 1

Haemophilius B

Question 2

What are the symptoms of epiglottitis?

Answer 2

Fever
Throat pain
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty speaking - ‘hot potato’ voice
Drooling
Tripod position
Inspiratory stridoe
NO cough

Question 3

Investigations for epiglottitis?

Answer 3

Secure airway
Laryngoscopy to visualise epiglottis and diagnose
Throat swab
Lateral neck XR - thumb sign
CT/MRI if potential abscess formation

Question 4

Management of epiglottitis?

Answer 4

Avoid upsetting child to avoid further airway obstruction
Endotracheal intubation
Culture of throat
IV cefuroxime

Question 5

Complications of epiglottitis?

Answer 5

Abscess formation
Bacteraemia and sepsis
Meningitis
Pneumothorax
Airway obstruction and death