Step II epiglottitis mngt ??

[thedman]

5 year old kid comes with epiglottitis and severe respiratory distress and fever and drooling out of mouth. next best step in mngt?
UW says diagnose with laryngoscope, but shouldn't you intubate first to secure airway. UW says intubate after diagnosis is confirmed. why?

 

[footcramp]

you need to be ready to intubate immediately. that is not the same as intubating immediately.

 

[ucbdancn00]

5 year old kid comes with epiglottitis and severe respiratory distress and fever and drooling out of mouth. next best step in mngt?
UW says diagnose with laryngoscope, but shouldn't you intubate first to secure airway. UW says intubate after diagnosis is confirmed. why?

if i'm not mistaken, I think part of it lies in possibly injurying the epiglottis with intubation if not wary.

hence, once must be able to make the diagnosis first before and use the laryngoscope findings to help insert the tube.

hope this helps

ucb

 

[razorback831]

Classic response and question I got on my CK is laryngoscopy in OR with anesthesia team ready to tube