Pediatrics

Question 1

Epiglottitis

Answer 1

a life-threatening bacterial infection of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues.

bacterial inflammation and swelling of the supraglottic structures, which do not respond well to epinephrine.

Question 2

Bronchiolitis

Answer 2

Common LOWER Respiratory Tract INFECTION in INFANTS & Young Children,
Characterized By
- INFLAMMATION &
- CONGESTION of the SMALL AIRWAYS (Bronchioles)

Usually Caused By
- VIRAL INFECTIONS
Such As
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

S/S:
- Wheezing,
- Coughing
- Difficulty Breathing.

Question 3

Epiglottitis vs Bronchiolitis

⸻

One-Line Comparison (Burn This In)

Epiglottitis blocks air at the top.
Bronchiolitis clogs air at the bottom.

Answer 3

Epiglottitis = upper airway emergency

Bronchiolitis = lower airway disease

Question 4

Epiglottitis

Answer 4

Epiglottitis = HIGH RISK

Cause: Bacterial (classically Hib)

Age: Children (can be adults)

Key signs: Drooling, dysphagia, stridor

Position: Tripod

Voice: Muffled (“hot potato”)

Fever: High

Question 5

Epiglottitis — EMS

Answer 5

TREATMENT:
Do NOT visualize throat

Keep patient calm

High-flow O₂

Prepare for advanced airway

Rapid transport

Memory hook:
“DROOL + STRIDOR = DON’T TOUCH.”

Question 6

Bronchiolitis

Answer 6

Cause: Viral (RSV most common)

Age: Infants < 2 years

Key signs: Wheezing, crackles, retractions

Cough: Yes

Fever: Low-grade or none

Question 7

Bronchiolitis — EMS

Answer 7

TREATMENT

Supportive Care

Suction secretions

Oxygen as needed

Usually no epinephrine or steroids prehospital

Memory hook:
“Bronchiolitis = WHEEZY Baby.”

Question 8

NREMT Clue

Answer 8

Drooling + Tripod + Stridor → Epiglottitis
= DON’T TOUCH!!!

INFANT + Wheezing + RSV → Bronchiolitis