Epiglottitis (Paediatric)
NHS Borders clinical guidelines
Warning
- rare now as most children are now immunised against haemophilus influenza. Non UK residents may not be vaccinated and would therefore be at higher risk of having epiglottitis.
- rapid onset over several hours usually in young child
- the patient is unwell, toxic, distressed, may adopt typical ‘tripod’ posture and drool from the mouth, stridor
- DO NOT attempt to look in the mouth/bloods or XR/CT until airway stabilised
- ask parent to hold oxygen/adrenaline nebulizer in close proximity to mouth
- Immediately contact a senior anaesthetist, paediatrician and ENT surgeon if available
- team decision will decide whether immediate intubation is indicated
- once airway stabilised iv Ceftriaxone and stat iv Dexamethasone