This article on Epainassist.com has been reviewed by a aesculapian professional person , as well as checked for fact , to assure the readers the best possible truth .
We follow a nonindulgent editorial policy and we have a zero - allowance policy regarding any story of plagiarization . Our articles are resourced from reputable online pages . This article may carry scientific references . The identification number in the parentheses ( 1 , 2 , 3 ) are clickable links to peer - critique scientific paper .
The feedback liaison “ Was this Article Helpful ” on this Thomas Nelson Page can be used to report content that is not accurate , up - to - date or confutative in any manner .
This article does not provide medical advice .
Epiglottis is a small cartilage social organisation , shaped like a lid , which covers the trachea . Epiglottitis is a potentially fatal condition which happen when there is swelling in the epiglottis result in closure of the line flow to the lungs . There are many reason which cause the epiglottis to intumesce , such as burns occurring from drink hot liquid , infections or a unmediated injury to the pharynx . Previously the commonest cause of epiglottitis in child was infection pass from Haemophilus influenzae eccentric b ( Hib ) . This is the same bacterium , which causesmeningitis , pneumoniaand lineage infection . Epiglottitis can involve people of any age .
These daytime , epiglottitis occurs rarely because of routine Hibvaccinationfor infants ; however , this consideration still remains a cause for concern . If you surmise that you or one of your family members has epiglottitis , then seek immediate aesculapian help , as it can prevent potentially life - threatening complications .
Causes of Epiglottitis
An infection or a unmediated injury is the elementary causal agent of Epiglottitis .
Epiglottitis Caused due to Infection
contagion with Haemophilus influenzae character b ( Hib ) bacteria is the common cause for swelling and excitation of the epiglottis and the surround tissue . Hib bacteria is the cause of many serious conditions , let in meningitis , which is the most unwashed . Hib spreads through droplet which are sneezed or cough into the air by septic people . you’re able to have the Hib bacterium present in the nose and pharynx without actually becoming sick ; however , you’re able to still pollute others with the bacteria .
There are other bacterium and viruses , which may also cause kindling of the epiglottis and they include :
Epiglottitis Caused due to Injury
Direct physical combat injury to the pharynx can also cause epiglottitis . This condition can also go on from burns lead from drinking very hot liquids .
Patient may also have signs and symptom which resemble epiglottitis if he / she :
Risk Factors for Epiglottitis
Signs & Symptoms of Epiglottitis
symptom of Epiglottitis in children comprise of :
Epiglottitis should not be taken lightly , as it is a medical exigency . If any person has difficultness breathing and swallowing , then patient should IMMEDIATELY be taken to the nigh hospital hand brake section . Patient should be keep quiet and seat in an good position , as it will make breathing gentle . NEVER try out to analyse the patient ’s throat on your own , as this can worsen the situation .
Investigations for Epiglottitis
If epiglottitis is suspected then the immediate precedency is to insure that the patient ’s airway is open and patient is get enough oxygen . Initial testing comprises of a pulse rate oximeter which is a gimmick that assesses the atomic number 8 levels in the blood line . This gimmick is clipped onto a finger’s breadth and it measure the amount of vividness of the oxygen in the line . If the oxygen vividness levels are very low , then the patient may need assistance with his / her breathing .
Tests which are done after stabilize the breathing are :
Treatment for Epiglottitis
The first phone line of intervention for epiglottitis comprises of making indisputable that the patient can breathe . Then the cause of epiglottitis is place and treated . As stated above , the first antecedence in treatment of epiglottitis is ensuring that the patient is receiving sufficient air . This comprises of :
Treatment for Epiglottitis Caused due to Infection
If epiglottitis occurs as a result of infection , then endovenous antibiotic drug are started after the patient starts stimulate sufficient aura .
Prevention of Epiglottitis
Side Effects of Vaccine are:
Other than occupy Hib vaccine , other guard should be taken to prevent infection , such as :
References :