Epiglottitis is a serious condition that causes inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, making it difficult to breathe and swallow. It can be caused by a bacterial infection, virus, or throat injury and can lead to respiratory failure if not treated early. Treatment includes emergency breathing tubes, oxygen therapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Most cases are caused by Haemophilus influenzae, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing, and sore throat. Prompt treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to a complete recovery.
Epiglottitis is a serious condition that causes inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, the section of tissue at the top of the windpipe. When a bacterial infection, virus, or throat injury damages the epiglottis, it becomes very difficult to breathe and swallow. Life-threatening respiratory failure can occur if epiglottitis is not diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Emergency breathing tubes, oxygen therapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs are usually needed to prevent fatal complications.
Most cases of epiglottitis are triggered by a bacterium called Haemophilus influenzae, a widespread pathogen that usually doesn’t cause problems in healthy people. Individuals with weakened immune systems, particularly very young children, are at higher risk for Haemophilus influenzae infection and subsequent epiglottitis. Many other pathogens can also cause infections, including bacteria of the streptococcal family and the herpes simplex virus. Less commonly, accidentally ingesting an irritant, smoking illicit drugs, or being hit in the throat can cause severe irritation.
The epiglottis is made up of flexible cartilaginous tissue that folds up and down during breathing to allow air to pass through the windpipe. When tissue becomes inflamed, the epiglottis swells and cannot fold properly. Initial symptoms of epiglottitis may include a low-grade fever, difficulty taking deep breaths, and a sore throat. As the inflammation worsens, swallowing becomes painful and breathing becomes very shallow. Respiratory failure is almost certain if the epiglottis becomes swollen enough to completely block the trachea.
A person showing signs of epiglottitis should be taken to the emergency room as soon as possible. If the airway restriction is severe, a doctor may insert a breathing tube to prevent respiratory failure. You may need to give oxygen if your windpipe is partially open but breathing is still shallow. Once the patient is stabilized, imaging tests are done to assess the severity of damage to the epiglottis and surrounding tissue. Blood and tissue samples from the throat are collected and analyzed to determine the bacteria or viruses causing the symptoms.
After identifying the underlying cause and relieving breathing difficulties, a doctor can give intravenous antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. A patient is usually kept in the hospital for several days so that doctors can closely monitor their recovery. Once the patient begins to feel better, they are prescribed oral medications to take every day for one to two weeks and scheduled for a follow-up exam. With prompt treatment, most children and adults experience a complete recovery from epiglottitis.
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