Ver el código de «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

==Diagnosis==
*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)
*[[Ceftriaxone]] 2gm IV
*Steroids
**Methylprednisolone 125mg IV
*Intubation or cricothyrotomy

==Disposition==
*Admit

==Source==
Tintinalli

[[Category:Peds]]
[[Category:ID]]