Epiglottitis

Background

• Etiology
  • Strep, staph, H. flu (unvaccinated), candida (immunosuppressed)
  • Caustic burns

Diagnosis

• Abrupt onset of fever, drooling, sore throat
  • May progress rapidly to stridor, respiratory distress

Work-Up

• Lateral neck xray
  • Only obtain if dx uncertain
  • "Thumb sign"

Treatment

• O2
• Epinephrine (nebulized)
• Steroids
• Abx
  • (Cefuroxime or CTX) + vanco

Disposition

• Admit

Source

Tintinalli