title: Epiglottitis.
abstract: Epiglottitis is a life-threatening infection due to Hemophilus influenzae causing respiratory obstruction. Commonly presenting in children under 5 years of age, the obstruction progresses rapidly with associated inspiratory stridor, muffled voice, fever and systemic toxicity. The epiglottis is markedly enlarged on lateral neck X-ray. Once the diagnosis is considered, the patient should always be accompanied by a clinician skilled in airway management, prepared to intervene should acute obstruction occur. Optimally, patients are intubated electively in the operating room by a team of specialized physicians. Nasal or oral tracheal intubation is commonly utilized although a tracheostomy is an alternative means of securing the airway. Positive pressure ventilation may be successful as a temporizing measure if obstruction occurs until the airway is stabilized. Chloramphenicol should be initiated once airway stabilization has been achieved.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002701:Chloramphenicol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003440:Croup / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004826:Epiglottitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000150:complications; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007440:Intubation; D007827:Laryngitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography
chemical_list: D002701:Chloramphenicol