Ostruzione delle vie aeree superiori: Group ed epiglottidite

Croup is the most frequent cause of upper airway obstruction in infancy and childhood, especially during the first three years of life. The disease is sustained by a viral inflammation of the subglottic region. Patients usually present with typical barking cough, an intermittent or continuous inspiratory stridor, a variable respiratory distress and a moderate fever. Most patients do not need hospitalization and improve with humidification and steroid inhalation; some refractory obstructions require epinephrine inhalation and dexamethasone administration. The endotracheal intubation is indicated in approximately 3% of children admitted to hospital. Epiglottitis results from the inflammation of the supraglottic structures, caused primarily by Haemophilus influenzae type B. Unlike croup, it develops rapidly and leads to a severe airway obstruction so that it is always necessary to perform a rapid endotracheal intubation.