Acute Epiglottitis - notes PDF

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Acute epiglottitis What am I ? Acute infection of supraglottic structures resulting in edema and swelling cause the upper airway to be obstructed A flap of cartilage at the root of the tongue, which is depressed during swallowing to cover the opening of the windpipe.

Patho Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the epiglottis a small cartilage "lid" that covers your windpipe and swells, blocking the flow of air into your lungs. .

Assessment Treatments Remember the 4 D’s ❖ Drooling ❖ Dysphasia ❖ Dysphonia ❖ Distress

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Respiratory distress ❖ nasal flaring ❖ sternal/intercostal retraction ❖ pale/blue ❖ tachycardia ❖ increased restlessness ❖ Tripod position with tongue protruding

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Antipyretics Antibiotics ( swelling of epiglottis usually subsides, 24 hrs after) c Constant monitoring of respiratory status o2 humidification Intubation let child sit in position they find most comfortable

Interventions Triggers ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

Swallow a chemical that burns your throat Swallow a foreign object Smoke drugs, such as crack cocaine Streptococcus infection

Emergency management Respiratory arrest ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

Bag ventilation Attempt to intubate Preform needle or surgical cricothyroidotomy Start IV- ceftriaxone or cefotaxime Racemic epi & steroids are ineffective

NEVER USE A TONGUE DEPRESSOR TO ASSESS AIRWAY! THIS COULD CAUSE SPASMS AND FURTHER BLOCK THE AIRWAY! ❖ protect airway ❖ avoid throat culture or using tongue blade ❖ prepare for intubation ❖ provide humidified oxygen ❖ monitor pulse ox ❖ Administer corticosteroids and IV fluids ❖ Administer abx therapy starting with IV then transition to oral to complete 10 day course ❖ Droplet isolation precaution first 24 hr after IV initiation ❖...