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Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
04:32

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Published on: June 28, 2018

Upper airway obstruction in infectious mononucleosis

J A Wolfe, L D Rowe

    The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
    |September 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Infectious mononucleosis can cause dangerous airway obstruction due to throat swelling. Prompt tonsillectomy is recommended for severe cases, while corticosteroids manage milder symptoms.

    Area of Science:

    • Otolaryngology
    • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
    • Critical Care Medicine

    Background:

    • Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is typically a benign viral illness.
    • Rarely, IM can lead to severe upper airway obstruction.
    • This obstruction is primarily due to pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia and edema.

    Observation:

    • A case of a child with IM presenting with hypersomnolence, sleep apnea, and stridor.
    • Retrospective analysis of 72 cases of respiratory complications in IM.
    • Guidelines for airway management in IM-related respiratory compromise were developed.

    Findings:

    • Mild airway obstruction with fever, odynophagia, and malaise treated with parenteral corticosteroids.
    • Severe airway occlusion managed with immediate tonsillectomy.
    • Tracheotomy reserved for progressive alveolar hypoventilation, hypercarbia, atelectasis, and bulbar paralysis.

    Implications:

    • Tonsillectomy is effective in resolving airway obstruction and improving swallowing in IM patients.
    • Early recognition and appropriate airway management are crucial for preventing severe outcomes.
    • This study provides a framework for managing respiratory complications of infectious mononucleosis.

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