Epiglottitis physical examination

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

A definitive diagnosis of acute epiglottitis can be confirmed by direct inspection under laryngoscopy, although this may provoke airway obstruction. The epiglottis and arytenoids appear cherry-red and swollen.

Physical Examination

[1][2][3]

Tenderness of anterior neck Temperature Respiratory rate—children Respiratory rate—adults Pharyngeal redness Cervical lymphadenopathy

Physical examination of patients suspected of having epiglottitis requires inspection of the oropharyngeal and suprapharyngeal area. A definitive diagnosis may be established by direct visualization of an erythematous and swollen epiglottis under laryngoscopy. Because of the risk of provoking airway spasm or obstruction, this procedure should be performed only when skilled personnel and equipment to secure the airway are available.[4]

References

  1. Charles R, Fadden M, Brook J (2013). "Acute epiglottitis". BMJ. 347: f5235. doi:10.1136/bmj.f5235. PMID 24052580.
  2. Mayo-Smith MF, Spinale JW, Donskey CJ, Yukawa M, Li RH, Schiffman FJ (1995). "Acute epiglottitis. An 18-year experience in Rhode Island". Chest. 108 (6): 1640–7. PMID 7497775.
  3. Ossoff RH, Wolff AP, Ballenger JJ (1980). "Acute epiglottitis in adults: experience with fifteen cases". Laryngoscope. 90 (7 Pt 1): 1155–61. PMID 6967138.
  4. Alcaide ML, Bisno AL (2007). "Pharyngitis and epiglottitis". Infect Dis Clin North Am. 21 (2): 449–69, vii. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2007.03.001. PMID 17561078.