THE QUICK AND DIRTY GUIDE TO CROUP AND EPIGLOTTITIS

Laryngotracheobronchitis

An overly complex medical term for 'a respiratory infection' commonly known as 'Croup', affecting children between 1 and 3 years of age, presenting with inspiratory stridor, wheezes, and a characteristic 'seal-bark cough'.

Croup

A respiratory infection affecting young children, characterized by inspiratory stridor, wheezes, barking cough, hoarseness, runny nose, low-grade fever, and varying degrees of respiratory distress.

Epiglottitis

Inflammation of the epiglottis, often due to a bacterial infection, causing airway occlusion potential, severe respiratory distress, high fever, sore throat, and rapid onset of symptoms.

Epiglottitis Treatment

Management of acute epiglottitis involves avoiding laying the patient flat, providing humidified oxygen, having advanced airway adjuncts ready, and transporting the child in a position of comfort with parents nearby.

Epiglottitis Intubation Tips

When intubating a suspected epiglottitis patient, use an uncuffed ET tube smaller than usual, locate the laryngeal opening by observing mucus 'bubbles', consider ventilating with a BVM and tight seal, and be prepared for a needle cricothyroidotomy if intubation fails.

EMS Croup Management

Prehospital management of croup involves airway maintenance with humidified air/oxygen, rapid transport in a comfortable position, and considering racemic Epinephrine for severe hypoxia.

cheat sheat for epiglottis and croup