Epiglottitis

Background

• Otolaryngologic emergency
  • Can lead to rapid onset of life-threatening airway obstruction
• Most cases are seen in adults (since advent of H. flu vaccine)
• Etiology
  • Strep, staph, H. flu (unvaccinated)
  • Caustic burns

Clinical Features

• Three D's:
  • Drooling
  • Dysphagia
  • Distress
• Pain with gentle palpation of larynx and upper trachea
• Stridor
• Respiratory distress
• Often no cough seen or noted

Diagnosis

• Bedside nasopharyngoscopy for direct visualization
• Imaging only required if diagnosis uncertain
• Lateral neck x-ray
  • Obliteration of vallecula
  • Edema of prevertebral and retropharyngeal soft tissues
  • "Thumb sign" (enlarged epiglottis)

Treatment

• Emergent ENT consult
• O2 (humidified)
• IVF (hydration minimizes crusting in the airway)
• Nebulized Epinephrine to reduce edema

Antibiotics

Empiric coverage for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus pyogenes, and Haemophilus influenzae

• Ceftriaxone 2gm IV is first line
  • Consider Vancomycin in patients at risk for MRSA

Steroids

Methylprednisolone 125mg IV

Airway Managment

• First line therapy is fiberoptic Intubation
• Preparation should be made for simultaneous cricothyrotomy incase intubation fails

Disposition

• Admit with ENT notification

Source

• Guldfred LA, Lyhne D, Becker BC. Acute epiglottitis: epidemiology, clinical presentation, management and outcome. J Laryngol Otol. Aug 2008;122(8):818-23