Epiglottitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Epiglottitis Definition

Epiglottitis is a inflammation of the epiglottis. Due to its place in the airway, swelling of this structure can interfere with breathing and constitutes a medical emergency. The thin elastic cartilaginous structure located at the root of the tongue that folds over the glottis to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during the act of swallowing. The infection is usually caused by bacteria and is contracted through the respiratory tract.

Epiglottitis is typically strikes children in between 2 to 8 ages. In children, the epiglottis will occasionally become infected with Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Epoglottitis is also known as Supraglottitis.

Epiglottitis Causes

Epiglottitis involves bacterial infection of the epiglottis. It is most often caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B, although some cases are attributable to streptococcus pyogenes. Respiratory distress may be characterized by drooling, dyspnea, tachypnea, and inspiratory stridor develop rapidly, often causing the child to lean forward and hyperextend the neck to enhance air exchange. Swallowing problems may be associated with drooling.

Epiglottitis is a life-threatening disease that begins with a high fever and very sore throat. Epiglottitis is a disorder caused by inflammation of the cartilage that covers the trachea. Difficulty breathing may cause the patient to sit up, leaning slightly forward and looking very anxious.

Epiglottitis Symptoms

The first symptoms of epiglottitis are usually a fever, which come on quickly over a few hours. Sometimes preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection, epiglottitis may progress to complete upper airway obstruction within 2 to 5 hours.

In adults, the symptoms are similar, but they start more gradually and recovery is usually slower.

The other symptoms of the epiglottitis may be included:

• chills
• shaking
• drooling
• anxious
• stridor
• cyanosis
• sore throat
• hoarseness
• pneumonia
• lymphadenopathy
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty swallowing

Epiglottitis Treatments

Treatment usually involves the administration of humidified oxygen, which is oxygen that has been moistened to help the patient breathe. Oxygen therapy and arterial blood gas monitoring may be desirable.

Hospitalization is required because this is an emergency situation. The patient is usually admitted to the intensive care unit.

Antibiotics may be used to treat the infection. Corticosteroids may be used to decrease the swelling of the throat. Patients should be given an antibiotic drug such as ceftriaxone.

Epinephrine have been used in the past. However, there is no good proof that these medications are helpful in cases of epiglottitis.