The epiglottis is the toilet seat of the airway. That’s a useful function. But what if becomes so swollen and inflamed that it leads to airway obstruction and respiratory failure. That’s bad. That’s also what epiglottitis is. You can also call it supraglottitis. Either way you need to recognize this potentially life threatening malady and secure a definitive airway in the sickest patients ASAP.

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Epiglottitis – PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast – Brad Sobolewski, MD, MEd – April 12. 2023

Managing Pain in Sickle Cell Vaso-Occlusive Crises – PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast

Vaso-occlusive pain episodes are the most common reason children and adolescents with sickle cell disease present to the Emergency Department. Prompt, protocol-driven management is essential starting with early administration of IV opioids, reassessment at 15–30 minute intervals, and judicious hydration. Understanding the patient’s typical pain pattern, opioid history, and psychosocial context can guide more effective […]
  1. Managing Pain in Sickle Cell Vaso-Occlusive Crises
  2. Penetrating Neck Injuries
  3. Advanced Imaging of Children in the ED: Ultrasound, CT, and MRI
  4. Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease)
  5. The Unvaccinated Child with Fever

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References

Rafei K, Lichenstein R. Airway infectious disease emergencies. Pediatr Clin North Am 2006; 53:215.

Sobol SE, Zapata S. Epiglottitis and croup. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2008; 41:551.

Richards AM. Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;34(1):77-96. PMID: 26614243.

Faden H. The dramatic change in the epidemiology of pediatric epiglottitis. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2006 Jun;22(6):443-4. PMID: 16801849