Acute epiglottitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the epiglottis and nearby structures like the arytenoids, aryepiglottic folds, and vallecula.It is a life-threatening infection that causes profound swelling of the upper airways which can lead to asphyxia and respiratory arrest.Bacterial etiology is the most common cause of epiglottitis. Soft tissue lateral xray of neck shows thumb sign. Airway management is the main concern of epiglottitis.
3. Introduction
Epiglottitis is an inflammatory condition of the epiglottis and nearby structures like
the arytenoids, aryepiglottic folds, and vallecula.
It is a life-threatening infection that causes profound swelling of the upper airways
which can lead to asphyxia and respiratory arrest
4. Anatomy
Leaf like, yellow, elastic cartilage forming anterior
wall of laryngeal inlet.
Attached to body of hyoid bone by hyoepiglottic
legament
6. Etiology
Infectious (common)
It can be bacterial or fungal in origin
Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB)
Most common cause.
This has decreased since the widespread use of immunization.
However, even vaccinated children can develop epiglottitis due to non – type b H influenzae
Other agents include Streptococcus pyrogenes, S. pneumoniae, and S. aureus
In immunocompromised hosts, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida
Noninfectious
Thermal inhalational injury or thermal ingestion
Trauma to the upper airway, such as foreign bodies, and chemical irritation.
7. Epidemiology
Addition of the HIB vaccine immunization has decreased the overall incidence of
epiglottitis in children.
However, the incidence in adults has remained stable.
Additionally, the age of children who have had epiglottitis has increased from 3
years old to about 6 to 12 years old
8. Clinical presentation
Onset and progression of symptoms is rapid
(George Washington woke up with a sore throat and died the same night),
Usually occurred within the last 12 to 24 hours.
The patient will appear toxic.
They will likely be sitting upright with their mouth open in
tripod position and possibly have a muffled voice.
Drooling, dysphagia, and distress, or anxiety in children
(3 Ds) are common presenting symptoms
Fever may go upto 40·c.
9. Cont..
Swelling of the upper airway results in turbulent airflow during inspiration causing
stridor.
Signs of severe upper airway obstruction such as
Intercostal or suprasternal retractions
Tachypnea
cyanosis
(concerning for impending respiratory failure)
10. Examination
Diagnosis is primarily one of clinical suspicion.
An oropharyngeal exam is performed to evaluate a
suspected case of epiglottitis.
Depressing the tongue with tongue depressor may
show red and swollen epiglottis.
A flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy
May show edema and congestion of supraglottic
structures.
Performed only in a very controlled setting such as the
operating room due to the risk of inducing
laryngospasm.
11. Xray of neck
Lateral soft tissue X-ray of neck may show swollen epiglottis (thumb sign)
It is a manifestation of an enlarged and edematous epiglottis.
12. Usg
Has been mentioned as another way to evaluate these patients, revealing an
“alphabet P sign” in a longitudinal view.
Measurement of the anterior posterior diameter of the epiglottitis was effective in
making the diagnosis.
13. Other investigations
CBC with differential, blood culture.
An epiglottal culture should only be obtained in patients with a secured ET tube.
14. CT & MRI
Helpful to evaluate the complications
Including spread of the infection and abscess formation.
Thickening of the epiglottis, obliteration of the pre-epiglottic
fat and thickening of the subcutaneous tissue and muscles
are common radiological findings in epiglottic abscess
CT:-hypo-attenuating area
(A) is suggestive of fluid or
the early formation of an
abscess.
E- epiglottis
15. DD’S
Infectious processes:
Mononucleosis, diphtheria, pertussis, croup, tonsillitis
Ludwig’s angina with retropharyngeal, Peripharyngeal and peritonsillar abscesses,
tracheobronchitis,
subglottic laryngitis.
Non-infectious diseases
Allergic reactions, angioneurotic oedema, foreign body aspiration,
Reflex laryngospasm, laryngeal trauma, tumours, hydrocarbon aspiration, systemic
lupus erythematosis and inhalation of toxic fumes or superheated steam
16. Complications
In some cases, infection can spread to nearby parts of the body, including :
Inner ear (otitis media)
Brain (meningitis)
Heart lining (pericarditis)
Lungs (pneumonia)
17. Treatment/management
Avoid agitating the patient, take a position in which he or she feels comfortable.
The mainstay of treatment is to secure the airway.
Unstable patients require immediate airway management
Experienced providers should intubate these patients since their airways are regarded as difficult.
An individual capable of performing a tracheotomy should be available if needed.
Patients without signs of airway compromise, respiratory difficulty, stridor, or drooling, and who have
only mild swelling on laryngoscopy, may be managed without immediate airway intervention by close
monitoring in ICU
Patient should be admitted to the ICU after the airway is secured.
Corticosteroids (hydrocortisone or dexamethasone)
To reduce edema
To reduce ICU stay.
18. Treatment
Empirically antimicrobials should be initiated.
Ampicillin
Third gen.cephalosporin-
effective against H.influenzae
given by parenteral route (i.m/i.v)
Once culture and sensitivity results are available, the regimen should be adjusted.
Adequate hydration - parenteral fluids
Humidification and oxygen
19. Prophylaxis
Close contacts of patients with H. influenzae should be prescribed rifampin
prophylaxis.
Although H influenzae vaccine is available, it is not 100% effective
Patients having recurrent episodes of acute epiglottitis warrant investigation of the
immune system.
20. Prognosis
Good with appropriate and timely treatment.
Most patients can be extubated within several days.
However, unrecognized epiglottitis may rapidly lead to airway compromise and
resultant death.
The risk of death is high due to sudden airway obstruction and difficulty intubating
patients with extensive swelling of supraglottic structures.
21. Take home message
Epiglottitis is an inflammatory condition of the epiglottis and nearby structures.
It is usually an infectious process of bacterial etiology directly or from bacteremia
Diagnosis is primarily one of clinical suspicion.
Lateral xray neck shows thumb sign.
Airway management is the most urgent consideration.
22. Mcq’s
Which is true of acute epiglottitis?
1. It is commonly seen in the elderly
2. It can be treated as an outpatient with antibiotics
3. It is a cause of stridor
4. Oral examination is necessary for these patients
23. What is the most common cause of epiglottitis?
1. E coli
2. Staphylococcus
3. H influenza
4. Streptococcus
24. Which of the following symptoms associated with acute epiglottitis is
INCORRECT?
1. Sudden onset
2. Drooling
3. Better when lying flat
4. Fever
25. Refrences
emedicine.com. Accessed October 9, 2018].
Diseases of EAR, NOSE & THROAT. Elsevier India;
https://knowledge.statpearls.com/chapter/0/21236?utm_source=pubmed