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Epiglottitis, Pediatric

Sanyukta Desai, MD and Erin E. Shaughnessy, MD, MSHCM Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Acute life-threatening bacterial infection consisting of cellulitis and edema of the epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds, arytenoids, and hypopharynx, resulting in narrowing of the glott...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Abrupt onset of high fever (39–40°C), sore throat, and dysphagia

  • Drooling or difficulty handling secretions

  • Very limited or no prodrome of mild upper respiratory tract infection (URI)

  • “H...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Maintain child upright, never supine.

  • Allow the child to assume his or her most comfortable position (usually in the parent’s arms/lap).

  • Administer oxygen by mask or blown by f...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Extubation is usually possible within 24 to 48 hours. Criteria include decreased erythema and edema of the epiglottis on direct inspection and d...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Darras K, Roston A, Yewchuk L. Imaging acute airway obstruction in infants and children. Radiographics.  2015;35(7):2064–2079. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Gorga S, Gilsdorf ...

CODES

ICD9

  • 464.30 Acute epiglottitis without mention of obstruction

  • 464.31 Acute epiglottitis with obstruction

  • 464.30 Acute epiglottitis without mention of obstruction

ICD10

  • J05.10 Acute epiglottitis witho...

FAQ

  • Q: What is the incidence of epiglottitis since the introduction of conjugate vaccines against H. influenzae type B?

  • A: Because H. influenzae type B caused 90% of epiglottitis and the incidence of a...

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