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Laryngoscopy
From WikEM
Contents
Overview
Direct visualization of the larynx for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
Indications
- Dysphagia
- Odynophagia (pain on swallowing)
- Hoarseness
- Foreign ingestion
- Sensation in throat
- Angioedema
- Assessment of airway
- Be careful when impending airway compromise
Contraindications
Equipment Needed
- Flexible laryngoscopy
- Decongestant:
- Oxymetazoline (afrin) 0.05%
- 0.1-1% phenylephrine
- Anesthetic
Procedure
- Attach light and suction
- Fogging
- Warm end in warm water to prevent fogging
- Ask patient swallow
- If cannot go through nares, go through mouth
Tips
- Mirror laryngoscopy
- Minimize gag by asking patient to keep eyes open and focus on breathing
Complications
- laryngospasm if paraglottic infections
See Also
External Links
References
- Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Precedures in Emergency Medicine, 6th edition
Authors
Trevor C. Wilson, Ross Donaldson, Claire, Ted Fan, Daniel Ostermayer, Neil Young
