- Infection of the epiglottis
Etiology
- Paediatric
- Haemophilus influenzae type B
- Adult
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- Neisseria meningitidis
Differential Diagnosis
- Viral croup
- Bacterial tracheitis
- Thermal epiglottitis
- Angioneurotic edema
- Retropharyngeal abscess
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Uvulitis
- Diphtheria
Presentation
- Paediatric
- Toxic, febrile child with muffled voice and possibly tripoding
- Cough is rare
- Adult
- Odynophagia and sore throat are cardinal features
- Can also have fever, drooling, or stridor
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
