epiglottitis

Question 1

what is epiglottitis?

Answer 1

inflammation of the epiglottis

Question 2

which bacteria most commonly cause epiglottitis?

Answer 2

strep. pneumoniae
strep pyogenes
staph aureus

Question 3

what are the symptoms?

Answer 3

severe sore throat
drooling saliva
pyrexia

Question 4

what are the signs?

Answer 4

examination of oral cavity normal - no inflammation of tonsils

may have stridor and be breathless

Question 5

why should examination of the pharynx and larynx only be attempted in an area with adequate equipment and staff prepared to intervene ?

Answer 5

due to the risk of inducing laryngeal spasm and/or total airway obstruction

Question 6

what is the management for mild epiglottitis?

Answer 6

supportive
antibiotics
nebulisers (adrenaline/saline)
corticosteroids

Question 7

what is the management for severe epiglottitis?

Answer 7

antibiotics
intubation and ventilation
tracheostomy

Question 8

in adults with recent head and neck radiation therapy, signs of respiratory distress and stridor suggest…? what should be done?

Answer 8

serious epiglottitis, requiring urgent ENT consultation due to risk of airway obstruction

Question 9

what does the management of acute epiglottitis involve?

Answer 9

immediate securing of the airway, often through endotracheal intubation or, in severe cases, a tracheostomy, along with administration of antibiotics to treat the underlying infection and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation