Tracheobronchial Diphtheria
Categories:
BRONCHOSCOPY IN DISEASES OF THE TRACHEA AND BRONCHI
Sources:
A Manual Of Peroral Endoscopy And Laryngeal Surgery
Urgent dyspnea in diphtheria when no
membrane and but slight lessening of the laryngeal airway is seen,
calls for bronchoscopy. Many lives have been saved by the
bronchoscopic removal of membrane obstructing the trachea or bronchi.
In the early stages, pulpy masses looking like mother of vinegar are
very obstructive. Later casts of membrane may simulate foreign bodies.
The local application of diphtheria antitoxin to the trachea and
bronchi has also been recommended. A preparation free from a chemical
irritant should be selected.