What is the clinical significance of severe dysphagia, uvular deviation and trismus?

Peritonsillar abscesses, diphtheria and epiglottitis will all cause sore throat, fever and dysphagia, and are all medical emergencies due to the potential for airway obstruction.

The triad of severe dysphagia, uvular deviation and trismus (tonic contraction of the muscles of mastication) indicate peritonsillar abscess. Diphtheria will typically present with stridor, croupy cough, swelling of the neck and a grat, adherent, pseudomembrane on the pharynx. Epiglottitis occurs mostly in children, who are likely to present as “toxic looking,” drooling, in severe respiratory distress with inspiratory stridor and in the “tripod” position (leaning forward, hands on knees). In cases of suspected epiglottis, examination is contraindicated and immediate ambulatory transport to the hospital is required.

Categorised in:

This post was written by Omar Rifai