Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) Flashcards
define croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)
an infection of the upper airway which obstructs breathing and causes characteristic barking cough
clinical features of croup
runny nose sore throat fever barking cough stridor hoarseness of voice
red flag signs in croup
persistent agitation
lethargy/fatigue
pallor or cyanosis
drowsiness
when do symptoms worsen in croup?
often symptoms worsen at night
what is absolutely contraindicated in croup
examination of the throat as can precipitate a total airway obstruction
conservative management of croup
keep child calm
provide analgesics
ensure adequate fluids
medical management of croup (if mild or severe)
ODA:
humidified oxygen
dexamethasone PO
nebulised adrenaline
define epiglottis
a rapidly progressive infection causing inflammation of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues
cause of epiglottitis
Haemophilus Influenza B
clinical features of epiglottitis
high fever intense sore throat and odynophagia drooling soft inspiratory stridor muffled voice
does positioning help in epiglottitis?
yes, children adopting the ‘tripod’ position can help reduce airway obstruction
- leaning forward with outstretched arms
should children with suspected epiglottitis have their throat examined?
no, this could cause throat closure
investigations in epiglottitis
fibre-optic laryngoscopy
bloods
throat swabs for culture
management of epiglottitis
endotracheal intubation throat cultures IV antibiotics (cefuroxime)
