Peds/Adult

Epiglottitis / deep neck infection

Before / During / After / Pitfalls

Before

• Call ENT/anesthesia/OR early; preserve spontaneous ventilation when appropriate.
• Avoid unnecessary oral exam/agitation in unstable epiglottitis.
• Prepare awake/video/fiberoptic/surgical backup depending on age and anatomy.

During

• Controlled approach with expert support; avoid traumatic repeated attempts.
• Have front-of-neck plan ready in adults; pediatric surgical airway complexity requires early expert mobilization.
• Maintain oxygenation and hemodynamics.

After

• Antibiotics/steroids/source control per local protocol.
• ICU airway monitoring.
• Communicate airway findings and difficulty.

Pitfalls

• Casual RSI in distorted infectious airway.
• No ENT/anesthesia backup.
• Multiple attempts worsening edema/bleeding.