neobookRx
GuidelinesOther guideline

Epiglottitis

Infection Epiglottitis Brief outline/clinical setting Infectious inflammation of the epiglottis and supraglottic edema. The swollen epiglottis has a ball-valve effect which results in rapidly progressive shortness of breath and airway obstruction which can lead to death if untreated. Patients may present with sore throat, dysphagia and drooling, fever, stridor and dyspnea (relieved by leaning for

Infection Epiglottitis
Brief outline/clinical setting Infectious inflammation of the epiglottis and supraglottic edema. The swollen epiglottis has a ball-valve effect which results in rapidly progressive shortness of breath and airway obstruction which can lead to death if untreated. Patients may present with sore throat, dysphagia and drooling, fever, stridor and dyspnea (relieved by leaning forward, “hot potato”voice
Aetiologies/organisms
  1. Haemophilus influenzae
  2. Staphylococcus aureus
  3. Streptococcus pneumoniae
Optimal antimicrobial selection
  1. IV Ceftriaxone 50mg/kg OD
  2. Dexamethasone 1-2mg/kg IV 8hrly
Duration 5 days
Alternative if allergic/not available
  1. Amoxicillin-clavulanate 2000mg amoxicillin/125mg clavulanate 12 hourly if patient not responding
Rationale  
Level of evidence  
Link to Guideline  

Drugs mentioned

NeoHealth® ID 23874 · updated 3/27/2024