Epiglottitis: what are its symptoms, causes and treatment

Epiglottitis occurs when the epiglottis (a small “lid” of cartilage that covers the trachea) swells, obstructing airflow to the lungs. This condition can be fatal.

A large number of factors can cause the epiglottis to swell, including infections, burns from hot liquids, and injuries to the throat.

Epiglottitis can occur at any age. In the past, this mostly happened in children. The most common cause of epiglottitis in children was infection with Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) bacteria, which also cause pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections.

Through routine vaccination against hib in babies, epiglottitis has become a rare disease in children. Today it is more common in adults. This condition must be treated urgently to avoid life-threatening complications.

Children can develop symptoms of epiglottitis within hours. Here are some of the symptoms:

Fever. Sore throat Abnormal high-pitched sound when breathing in, known as stridor Difficulty and pain when swallowing Drooling Anxiety and irritability in behavior Needing to stand or lean forward to facilitate breathing

Adults may have symptoms for days instead of hours. Symptoms can include:

Sore throat. Fever. Hoarse or hoarse voice. Unusual, high-pitched noise when breathing in (stridor). Difficulty breathing. Difficulty swallowing. I drool.

Epiglottis is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know suddenly has trouble breathing and swallowing, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Try to keep the person still and upright, as this position can make breathing easier.

Certain factors increase the risk of epiglottitis, such as:

Having a weakened immune system.

People whose immune systems have been weakened by disease or medication are more likely to get bacterial infections that can cause epiglottitis.

Not having the complete vaccination schedule.

If a child misses certain vaccines or receives them late, they may be more likely to get Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) and have a higher risk of epiglottitis.

First, the medical team makes sure the airways are open and enough oxygen is getting in. It then monitors your breathing and blood oxygen levels.

If oxygen levels drop too low, respiratory support may be needed.

Throat examination.

Using a flexible, lighted fiberoptic tube, your healthcare provider can examine your throat through the nose to see what’s causing your symptoms. Anesthetic can be administered in the nose for more comfort during the examination. If the airway is blocked, the procedure can be performed in an operating room.

X-ray of the neck or chest.

Although not necessary for a diagnosis, X-rays can help health care providers determine if you have epiglottitis. In the case of epiglottitis, the X-ray may reveal something similar to a fingerprint on the neck, indicating that the epiglottis is enlarged.

Analysis of blood and pharyngeal exudate.

Once breathing has stabilized, a team member cleans the epiglottis with a cotton swab and analyzes the tissue sample for the presence of

hib

. Blood cultures can detect an infection in the blood called bacteremia. Bacteremia often occurs with epiglottitis.

Helping a person breathe is the first step in treating epiglottitis. Treatment then focuses on the infection.

Making sure you and your child are breathing well can mean:

Wear an oxygen mask.

The mask sends oxygen to the lungs.

Place an endotracheal tube into the trachea through the nose or mouth (intubation).

The tube is held in place until the throat is deflated. It may take several days.

Placing a needle in the trachea (cricothyroidotomy).

In very few cases, the health care provider creates an emergency airway. To quickly get air into the lungs, the health care provider places a needle in the cartilage area of ​​the trachea.

Intravenous antibiotics are used to treat epiglottitis.

Broad-spectrum antibiotic.

The infection requires prompt treatment. Therefore, the health care provider can immediately prescribe a broad-spectrum medication instead of waiting for blood test and tissue culture results.

More specific antibiotics.

The first drug can be changed later, depending on the causes of epiglottitis.