Acute Epiglottitis

Hmm.. pilot project... want to see how this turns out... please comment on how I can improve on this~

Causative agent:

- Haemophilus Influenza B (Hib) [most common]
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Candida albicans
- Haemophilus parainfluenzae
- Neisseria meningtidis
- etc

High incidence group:

- Typically 5 years and below

Signs & symptoms:

- high fever
- severe airflow obstruction
- inspiratory stridor
- drooling
- difficulty swallowing
- difficulty breathing
- cyanosis
- chills
- sore throat
- muffled dysphonia
- cervical adenopathy

Investigations:

- Laryngoscopy - shows a red and swollen epiglottis
- Blood or throat culture - show Haemophilus influenza B or other bacteria
- CBC (Complete Blood Count) - high number of white blood cells
- Neck X-rays - swollen epiglottis

Treatment:

- Endotracheal intubation
- IV Cloramphenicol, Ceftazidime
- Corticosteroids to reduce swelling of throat

Complications:

- Death by asphyxia may occur if airway is blocked, onset is rapid hence is considered a medical emergency

Others:

- Do NOT attempt to inspect the throat using a tongue depressor or such similar instruments unless facilities for endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy immediately available as this may precipitate spasms in the throat causing airway blockage
- Vaccination for Hib is available

Yes yes I know I promised...

Or rather... I said I would...

Urm.. in case you were wondering what am I blabbering about...

It's about the update of this blog :D

I said I'd write out ONE disease after EOS.... but it's not going to happen today :D

Haha....

Before you throw your pots and pans...

I've got some things to handle right now... made a couple of plans that require some planning and time... and it can't be delayed! So yeah... need to sort out those things before I can work on this alright? :P

Until then... keep your chins up! EOS 2 is OVER... and isn't worth your time thinking about it right now! :) Enjoy your holidays!

To all M207ians out there...

Good luck and all the best for the upcoming EOS2! (in about 9 hours LOL)

Don't study TOO late... (it's ok to take an extra hour or so... but do get enough rest!)

And don't forget to take breakfast!

Will be such a shame if you made mistakes (due to fatigue) or worse... had a syncopal attack half way through the exam!

You've done you're best already :) Walk in with pride and show them what you've got :)

Knowledge is a must... but confidence comes right after!

Even if you did not do as well as you expected... don't give up! Life is about second chances :) Just don't expect to get a THIRD one ;)

EOS2 will be one hell of a ride.... it's going to be rough.... it's going to tear you apart... well.. at the very least... I foresee it's going to tear ME apart LOL... but somehow or rather... we've got to go through it :D

Hope to see you in Semester 3! ^^

New blog!

As if ONE wasn't enough?

You're making ANOTHER one?

It's going to be filled with ANOTHER tonne of BORING posts?

ZOMG...do the community a favour and STOP it!

Ok ok... Geee... I'm sorry! Haha...

Well.. this blog is going to be a little different...

Why?

Well...

This one will concentrate on diseases!

Yes! DISEASES....

What apples are supposed to keep you away from!

What for?

For the benefit of medical students of course!

Especially for those pesky PBL sessions... if you ran out of time that is... this blog may JUST be the answer!

I'll TRY to update you guys with ONE disease EVERYDAY... but I don't really think I can find the time to do that... see how it goes! Don't expect any updates YET... after all... my EOS2 is just around the corner (about 30 hours from now) and after that it's my HOLIDAYS...

I might make another one (blog that is) for... well... I shan't reveal it just yet ;) You'll just have to find out! :P

Until then... eat your apples!