Epiglottitis- Symptom, Causes, Treatment of Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is the inflammation of the epiglottis, the leaf-shaped flap of cartilage at the back of the tongue that acts as a valve and closes off the opening into the airways during swallowing so that food cannot enter.

Acute epiglottitis is severe, rapidly progressing inflammation of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues resulting from infection by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). It may be fatal because the swollen, inflamed structures can obstruct breathing. Epiglottitis mainly affects children aged 2 to 5 years, but can occur at any age.

Symptoms of Epiglottitis

A very sore throat, muffled voice and high fever develop abruptly in a previously well child, who appears pale, very ill, open-mouthed and drooling (because of inability to swallow saliva). Breathing becomes progressively more difficult and rapid, and attempts to breathe in cause a soft noise (stridor) and a drawing inwards of the muscles between the ribs and above the collarbones. The child may develop cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin and other tissues) and become semiconscious from lack of oxygen.

Treament of Epiglottitis

Speed is vital, and it is essential to distinguish acute epiglottitis from viral CROUP. The patient must be admitted to hospital for intensive care as soon as epiglottitis is sus-pected. Sudden complete obstruction of the upper airways can occur so unpredictably that a tube must be passed into the trachea (windpipe )through the nose or mouth so that air can enter the lungs. Or, if this is not possible, a tracheostomy will be needed . Antibiotics are given intravenously. With prompt treatment and skilled nursing the outlook is good. There is generally enough improvement for the tube to be removed within 60 hours, with complete recovery in 7 to 10 days.

Complication of Epiglottitis

The bacteria can spread from the epiglottis to cause PNEUMONIA, MENINGITIS, PERICARDITIS, arthritis, or abscesses beneath the skin, but these complications are uncommon if antibiotics are started early

Prevention of Epiglottitis

The vaccines now available for childhood immunisation against meningitis caused by H. influenzae type b will also prevent acute epiglottitis.

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