Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis

inflammation of the epiglottis; characterized by high fever and a severe sore throat and difficulty in swallowing; can be abrupt and progress rapidly

Epiglottitis interventions

considered a medical emergency
never attempt to visualize epiglottis (complete obstruction can occur)
throat inspection should be done by experienced personnel with emergency equipment at hand

what helped decrease the incidence of epiglottitis?

HIB vaccine

epiglottitis symptoms

dysphagia
distress
dysphoria
drooling
inability to speak properly
tongue protrusion
sudden high fever
severe inspiratory stridor
tripod position
absence of cough

epiglottitis treatment

throat culture and then IV antibiotics
IV hydration
moist air
oxygen
racemic epinephrine
rest
prophylactic tracheotomy/intubation
family contacts less than 4 years old will also be treated prophylactically