Which is the most common organism causing acute epiglottitis?
Ans. is 'D' i.e.,S. Pneumoniae Epiglottitso It is the inflammation of epiglottis with inflammatory edema of hyopharynx. It is a true medical emergencyo H.influenzae was the most common causative organism prior to vaccination. However, S. Pnemoniae is now considered as the most common cause of Acute Epiglottitis.o Other organisms are - Pneumococci, Streptococcus pyogenes, N.meningitidis, StaphylococcusClinical manifestationso Onset is sudden. Symptoms are - fever, dysphagia, drooling, muffled voice, inspiratory retractions, cyanosis and soft stridor. Patients often sit in sniffing dog position. Respiratory arrest may occur."The risk of sudden death for persons is high due to sudden airway obstruction'.Plain lateral soft tissue radiograph of necko Thickening of the epiglottis - the thumb signo Absence of a deep well defined vallecula - the vallecula signTreatment of epiglottitiso Once the diagnosis of epiglottitis is made, endotracheal intubation must be performed immediately. After an airway is established, cultures of the blood and epiglottis should be obtained and patient started on appropriateintravenous antibiotics to cover H. influenzae (Ceftriaxone or equivalent cephalosporins)."Third generation cephalosporins are preferred as first line agents because of increasing resistance to ampicil- lin. Ceftriaxone is the treatment of choice for epiglottitis".
N. Meningitidis
S. Aureus
H.Influenzae
S. Pneumoniae