This is an infection of the subglottic tissue characterized by the presence of purulent discharge. The most frequent pathogen is staphylococcus, followed by streptococcus and pneumococcus. It is a rare disease that occurs in children under the age of six. The presenting symptoms are: septic status, fever, stridor and cough, rapidly worsening dyspnea.
It is very important to tranquilize the child right away and undergo chest Rx and/or lateral neck Rx, fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy. Usually intravenous antibiotic therapy with Teicoplanin 10 mg/kg, Ceftriaxone 50 mg/Kg/day and Chloramphenicol 100 mg/kg/day is recommended.
Source: Mediserve‘s Medical Emergencies in Pediatrics.
