Acute epiglottitis in adults.
Acute epiglottitis in adults is a fulminant disease characterized by local cellulitis of supraglottic structures. Symptoms include sore throat, dysphagia, respiratory difficulty and muffled voice. Signs are pharyngitis, swollen and inflamed epiglottis, epiglottic abscess and/or cervical swelling. Diagnosis is facilitated by an upright, lateral neck x-ray and indirect laryngoscopy. The mainstays of treatment are airway maintenance, antibiotics, steroids, hydration, cool mist, oxygen and supportive care.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004825:Epiglottis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects; D007827:Laryngitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D009333:Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D014140:Tracheotomy / Q000009:adverse effects
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents