Acute epiglottitis

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Background

Microbiology

Clinical Manifestations

  • In children, presents with fever, irritability, and respiratory distress with or without stridor
    • Often a muffled, hoarse voice
    • Cough is rare
  • In adults, presents with odynophagia and sore throat
    • May also have fever, drooling, or stridor

Differential Diagnosis

Investigations

  • Lateral neck x-ray shows thumb sign
  • Laryngoscopy

Management

  • Ceftriaxone
  • Include Staph aureus coverage if concerned for bacterial tracheitis
  • Vanco to cover resistant pneumococcus if common
  • 7-10 days