EPIGLOTTITIS

 Basic information

description

Epiglottitis is a life-threatening inflammation of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a small flap of tissue in the back of the throat that keeps food and drink from going into the windpipe (trachea). Immediate treatment is needed as swelling of the epiglottis may lead to complete blockage of the airway within 12 hours of onset. It is a rare disorder and occurs in children (often ages 2 to 4) and adults. Males are more often affected than females.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Muffled voice or cry.
• Sore throat.
• Fever.
• Swallowing is difficult and painful.
• Hoarseness.
• Drooling caused by difficulty in swallowing saliva.
• Increased breathing difficulty.
• Noisy, high-pitched, squeaky inhalations.
• Odd head posture. The person tilts the neck back and leans forward with the tongue stuck out and the nostrils flared, trying to inhale more air.

causes

• In children, the cause is usually a bacterial infection. Types include Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), Streptococcus pneumonia, and others. The number of cases of epiglottitis has decreased steadily in the United States since the Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine became a routine childhood immunization in the late 1980s.
• In adults, it can be caused by bacterial, viral, or combined viral-bacterial infections.
• Other causes include thermal (heat) injury (e.g., from drinking hot liquids).

risk increases with

• Lack of childhood Hib immunization.
• Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Immunize children and others who have weak immune systems against Haemophilus influenzae.

expected outcomes

Full recovery with prompt diagnosis and treatment.

possible complications

• Spread of infection to elsewhere in the body.
• Without treatment, complete airway obstruction and death can occur within hours.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Hospital care is needed. Your health care provider will perform exams under special controls to prevent complications.
• Treatment usually involves supportive care, drug therapy, and supplemental oxygen to help breathing.
• A tube may be inserted in the throat to assist breathing (intubation). Surgery may be done to make an opening in the windpipe (trachea). Usually the tube is withdrawn or the opening is closed in 1 to 3 days.

medications

• Antibiotics will be prescribed for infection. Continue for a minimum of 10 days or as advised.
• Steroid drugs may be given to reduce inflammation.

activity

Bed rest is needed until all symptoms disappear. Activities may then be resumed gradually.

diet

Fluids only (usually through a vein) until the patient can swallow. Once the patient is home, return to a normal diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of epiglottitis, especially breathing difficulty. Call 911 or go to a hospital. This is an emergency
  • Don't try to look at the person's throat yourself.
  • Keep the person upright and quiet.

Special Notes: