Epiglottitis involves swelling and inflammation of the epiglottis which is considered a potentially dangerous ailment.
The epiglottis is positioned at the base of the tongue and composed mostly of cartilage. It functions as a valve to prevent food and fluids from moving into the windpipe while eating or drinking.
The tissue of the epiglottis can become infected, swollen and obstruct the airway. This necessitates prompt medical care.
What are the causes?
Generally, a bacterial infection is the usual cause of epiglottitis. The usual bacterial strain responsible for the condition is Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). It can also be acquired by breathing in the germs when an infected individual sneeze, coughs or blows his/her nose.
What are the signs?
The indications of epiglottitis are the same irrespective of the root cause. Nevertheless, they tend to vary between adults and children.
Children develop the condition in just hours while adults often develop symptoms more steadily, over a few days.
Children
- High fever
- Sore throat
- Reduced symptoms when sitting upright or leaning forward
- Drooling
- Hoarse voice
- Restlessness
- Sore and difficult swallowing
- Breathing via the mouth
Adults
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
- Severe sore throat
- Harsh, noisy breathing
- Muffled or raspy voice
- Difficulty in catching a breath
Management
If epiglottitis is suspected, the initial treatment generally involves oxygen level monitoring using a pulse oximetry and ensuring that the airway is protected.
In case the blood oxygen level drops too low, supplemental oxygen via a mask or breathing tube is started. The doctor might also suggest any of these treatments:
- Administration of intravenous fluids for hydration and nutrition until able to swallow again
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids to lessen the swelling in the throat
- Antibiotics for a suspected bacterial infection
In severe cases, a minor surgery called tracheotomy is performed. During the procedure, the doctor introduces a needle into the trachea. This enables the exchange of oxygen as well as averts respiratory failure.