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1. CROUP AND ACUTE
EPIGLOTTIS
Presenter's:
Ramatu Jalloh
Zainab A Kanu
Sulaiman Tholley

2. Introduction
Croup is also know as laryngotrcheobronchitis and laryngotracheitis to describe
the disease.
Croup is a very common cause of cough, stridor, and hoarseness in children
with fever.
And mostly often seen in children 3 month to 5 years old.

3. Definition
Croup is an inflammation of larynx and trachea that causes upper airway
infection that block breathing and has a distinctive barking cough.
or
Croup is a common childhood illness that causes selling in the upper airway.
This can cause a change in voice and characteristic like “croupy”.

4. Type of croup
There are two type of croupe, which are:
1. Viral croup
2. Spasmodic croup
Both of with cause the barking cough.

5. Etiology
• Croup is commonly causes by viral such as:
I. parainfluenza virus
II. adenovirus
III. respiratory syncytial virus.

6. Cont..
• In some cases, caused by bacteria such as:
I. Streptococcus pneumoniae
II. Hemophilus influenzae
III. Moraxella catarrhalis

7. Signs and symptoms
• Cough
• Respiratory disorder
• Fever
• Hoarse voice
• Running nose
• Sneezing

8. Treatment
Treatment consists of:
1. supportive care
Most cases clear up with home care in three to five days by keeping your child calm, as
breathing often more difficult when upset.
2. medications:
If the child present with fever, you may give paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Steriod, analgesic, vasocnstritor and cough medicine.

9. Cont….
3. Palliative care
 Oxygen therapy
 Self-limiting and airway management.
 Keep he child warm

10. WHEN TO SEE DOCTOR
• If your child is under 6 month old and manifest the signs.
• If your child is struggling to breathing
• If the child looks very sick and become pale and drowsy
• If the child lip are blue in colour.
• If the child start to drool or can`t swallow.

11. How croup is spread
Even though not all children get croup when infected by the virus.
It can be transfer from person to person through coughing and sneezing.
If an effected person cough and the uneffcted person inhale the particle.

12. KEY POINT TO REMEMBER
No treatment for mild croup, or the virus that has caused it.
Croup usually get better in three to four days.
Try to calm your child, as breathing is often more difficult when your child is
upset.
NOTE: croup can get worse quickly

13. NEXT TOPIC
ACUTE EPIGLOTTIS

14. Introduction
Acute epiglottitis is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition
characterized by sudden inflammation of the epiglottis, the flap of cartilage
that covers the trachea (windpipe) during swallowing.
This inflammation can cause rapid swelling, potentially leading to airway
obstruction, making it a medical emergency.
However, Acute epiglottitis is more common in children but can also occur in
adults.

15. Definition
Acute epiglottitis is defined as an acute bacterial infection that causes
inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues, often
resulting in difficulty breathing.

16. Etiology
The primary cause of epiglottitis historically has been Haemophilus influenzae type
b (Hib), but with increased vaccination against Hib, the incidence has significantly
decreased in many parts of the world. However, other bacteria and viruses, such as:
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Staphylococcus aureus
Group A Streptococcus
Can also cause epiglottitis.

17. Pathophysiology
Infection leads to inflammation and edema of the epiglottis and surrounding
structures, including the arytenoids. And this lead to swelling, hence, the
Swelling narrows the airway, making breathing difficult and causing stridor
(high-pitched wheezing).
As the epiglottis swells, it can obstruct the airway, leading to hypoxia or
respiratory arrest if not treated promptly.

18. Clinical Presentation
The clinical presentation will be a Rapid Onset Symptoms progress quickly, usually over hours.
Classic Signs:
Are the 4D`s
Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing
Drooling due to difficulty swallowing saliva
Muffled or "hot potato" voice
 dysphonia: Stridor, especially in severe cases
High fever
Sore throat

19. Diagnosis
Clinical Assessment: Initial diagnosis is usually based on clinical signs and symptoms,
especially in children where visualization can be risky.
Laryngoscopy: Visualization of a cherry-red, swollen epiglottis confirms diagnosis, but
only performed in a controlled environment due to risk of sudden airway obstruction.
Imaging: Lateral neck X-ray may show "thumbprint sign," indicating epiglottic swelling.
Laboratory Tests: Blood cultures and throat swabs may help identify causative organisms
but are secondary to managing airway.

20. Management
1. Airway Protection: The primary goal is to maintain a patent airway. Avoid agitating the
patient, as this may worsen the obstruction. Intubation may be necessary; if intubation
is not possible, a surgical airway (tracheostomy or cricothyroidotomy) may be required.
2. Antibiotics: Empirical IV antibiotics, such as third-generation cephalosporins (e.g.,
ceftriaxone or cefotaxime) combined with anti-staphylococcal agents if necessary.
3. Supportive Care: Ensure adequate hydration, oxygen therapy, and monitoring.
Corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation, although their use remains controversial.

21. Prevention
The most effective way to prevent your child getting epiglottis is to make sure
they are vaccinated.
The Hib vaccine

22. Complications
• Respiratory failure due to airway obstruction
• Septicemia if infection spreads to the bloodstream
• Secondary infections such as pneumonia

23. Prognosis
With prompt treatment, the prognosis is generally good.
Delay in treatment or airway compromise may lead to fatal outcomes, especially
in children.

24. Thank You!!
Any Question..??