A rapidly progressive cellulites of the epiglottis and surrounding regioins with potential for causing acute airways obstruction. Most often in children who present with fever, pain in the throat and dysphagia, with oedematous, cherry red epiglottis. Leukocytosis, positive throat and blood cultures, and H.influenza is commonest organism. Soft tissue x-ray neck might show airway obstruction
Treatment
Prompt hospitalization and ENT consultation to be organized.
AMPICILLIN (250-500 mgm 6 hourly, or ceftriaxone 1-2 gm/24 hrs or cefuroxime 0.75-1.5 gm every 8 hrs IV are the drugs of choiceAMPICILLIN
