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Guidelines
Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis

Droplet / Contact Precautions

If Haemophilus influenzaeI type b possible (i.e., non-immune infant or unvaccinated child), droplet precautions until ruled out or 24 hours of effective antimicrobial therapy. Otherwise routine practices

  • Airway is priority; perform investigations in safe setting with intubation capacity, or after intubation if severe illness
  • Definitive diagnosis: visualization of inflamed epiglottis on laryngoscopy
  • Lateral/AP neck xrays – “thumb sign”
  • Neck CT if concern re: abscess
  • Blood cultures and surface laryngeal cultures prior to antibiotics
  • Recommend ID consult

Duration of Therapy

7-10 days