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Delayed Presentation of Thermal Epiglottitis in a Toddler: A Case Report
Nouf Alkaabi1,2, Nouf Aljahdali1,2, Amani Algouhi1,3
1Ministry of National Guards Health Affairs (MNGHA), King Abdulaziz Medical City Riyadh, Riyadh, SAU.
Insights
Pediatric airway obstruction from scalding liquid ingestion can be serious. Early suspicion and careful examination are crucial for timely diagnosis and management of airway emergencies in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Airway obstruction in children can lead to severe outcomes.
- Delayed recognition of symptoms can worsen prognosis.
- Ingestion of scalding liquids is a critical risk factor.
Observation:
- Signs of airway obstruction may not be immediate.
- Distinguishing infectious from non-infectious epiglottitis requires careful clinical assessment.
- Nonverbal children present diagnostic challenges.
Findings:
- Thermal epiglottitis can be complicated by secondary bacterial infections.
- Overlap in symptoms between infectious and non-infectious causes necessitates thorough evaluation.
- History and physical examination are paramount for diagnosis.
Implications:
- Increased physician suspicion is vital for children with a history of scalding liquid ingestion.
- A multidisciplinary team approach is recommended for managing these complex cases.
- Referral to specialized centers ensures optimal care for severe airway compromise.
Abstract:
A minor insult to the pediatric airway can have a devastating result. Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of obstruction might not be present immediately and take some time to develop. Therefore, physicians should have a higher index of suspicion for airway obstruction in children that present with a history of ingestion of scalding liquid. Signs and symptoms of infectious vs noninfectious epiglottis do overlap and the key to differentiate is by careful history and physical exam, especially in nonverbal children. A secondary bacterial infection might complicate thermal epiglottis and make the picture a bit confusing. Therefore, a coordinated approach through a multidisciplinary team is indicated from the start and these cases should be managed and referred to a higher center.
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