Epiglottitis
Classification and external resources
ICD-10	J05.1
ICD-9	464.3, 476.1
DiseasesDB	4360
eMedicine	emerg/169 emerg/375 ped/700
MeSH	D004826

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis - the flap that sits at the base of the tongue, which keeps food from going into the trachea (windpipe). Due to its place in the airway, swelling of this structure can interfere with breathing and constitutes a medical emergency. The infection can cause the epiglottis to either obstruct or completely close off the windpipe.

With the advent of the Hib vaccine, the incidence has been reduced,^[1] but the condition has not been eliminated.^[2]

Contents 1 Cause 2 Symptoms 3 Diagnosis 4 Treatment 5 Complications 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Cause

Epiglottitis involves bacterial infection of the epiglottis, most often caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B, although some cases are attributable to Streptococcus pneumoniae or Streptococcus pyogenes.

[edit] Symptoms

Epiglottitis typically affects children, and is associated with fever, difficulty in swallowing, drooling, hoarseness of voice, and stridor. It is important to note however that since the introduction of the Hemophilus infuenzae vaccination in many Western countries (including the UK), the disease is becoming relatively more common in adults. The child often appears acutely ill, anxious, and has very quiet shallow breathing with the head held forward, insisting on sitting up in bed. The early symptoms are insidious but rapidly progressive, and swelling of the throat may lead to cyanosis and asphyxiation.^{[citation needed]} Cases in adults are most typically seen amongst abusers of crack cocaine and have a more subacute presentation. George Washington is thought to have died of epiglottitis.^[3]

[edit] Diagnosis

Diagnosis is confirmed by direct inspection using laryngoscopy, although this may provoke airway spasm. The epiglottis and arytenoids are cherry-red and swollen. The most likely differential diagnostic candidates are croup, peritonsillar abscess, and retropharyngeal abscess.

On lateral C-spine X-ray, the thumbprint sign is a finding that suggests the diagnosis of epiglottitis.^[4]

[edit] Treatment

Epiglottitis requires urgent endotracheal intubation to protect the airway. Ideally, this should be performed by an experienced anesthesiologist, Paramedic, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, or respiratory therapist, with otolaryngology back-up in case of failed intubation. If intubation fails, cricothyroidotomy or tracheotomy is required.

In addition, patients should be given antibiotic such as ceftriaxone or chloramphenicol either alone or in combination with penicillin or ampicillin for streptococcal coverage.

[edit] Complications

Some patients may develop pneumonia, lymphadenopathy or septic arthritis.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Jordana Marinoff, "Bacteria Grab a Windpipe and Hold it Hostage," Boston Globe, January 10, 2006

v • d • e Pathology of respiratory system (J, 460-519), respiratory diseases Upper RT (including URTIs, Common cold) Head sinuses: Sinusitis nose: Rhinitis (Vasomotor rhinitis, Atrophic rhinitis, Hay fever) · Nasal polyp · Rhinorrhea · nasal septum (Nasal septum deviation, Nasal septum perforation, Nasal septal hematoma) tonsil: Tonsillitis · Adenoid hypertrophy · Peritonsillar abscess Neck pharynx: Pharyngitis (Strep throat) larynx: Laryngitis · Croup · Laryngospasm · vocal folds: Vocal fold nodule · epiglottis: Epiglottitis trachea: Tracheitis · Tracheal stenosis Retropharyngeal abscess Lower RT/lung disease (including LRTIs) Bronchial/ obstructive acute: Acute bronchitis chronic: COPD (Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema, Diffuse panbronchiolitis) · Asthma (Status asthmaticus) · Bronchiectasis unspecified: Bronchitis · Bronchiolitis (Bronchiolitis obliterans) Interstitial/ restrictive External agents/ occupational lung disease Pneumoconiosis (Asbestosis, Baritosis, Bauxite fibrosis, Berylliosis, Caplan's syndrome, Chalicosis, Coalworker's pneumoconiosis, Siderosis, Silicosis, Byssinosis) Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (Bagassosis, Bird fancier's lung, Farmer's lung) Other ARDS · Pulmonary edema · Löffler's syndrome/Eosinophilic pneumonia · Respiratory hypersensitivity (Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis) Hamman-Rich syndrome · Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis · Sarcoidosis Obstructive or restrictive Pneumonia/ pneumonitis By pathogen Viral · Bacterial (Pneumococcal, Klebsiella) / Atypical bacterial (Mycoplasma, Legionnaires' disease, Chlamydiae) · Fungal (Pneumocystis) · Parasitic · noninfectious (Chemical/Mendelson's syndrome, Aspiration/Lipid) By vector/route Community-acquired · Healthcare-associated · Hospital-acquired By distribution Broncho- · Lobar IIP UIP · DIP · BOOP-COP · NSIP · RB Other Atelectasis · circulatory (Pulmonary hypertension, Pulmonary embolism) · Lung abscess Pleural cavity/ mediastinum Pleural disease Pleuritis/pleurisy Pneumothorax/Hemopneumothorax (Tension pneumothorax) Pleural effusion: Hemothorax · Hydrothorax · Chylothorax · Empyema/pyothorax · Malignant Fibrothorax Mediastinal disease Mediastinitis · Mediastinal emphysema Other/general Respiratory failure · Influenza · SARS · Idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis · Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis respiratory system navs: anat nose,larynx/lower+thoracic cavity/physio/dev, noncongen/congen/tumors, symptoms+signs/eponymous, proc