Epiglottitis
Inflammation of the epiglottis, a thin flap of cartilage lying behind the root of the tongue that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing. Acute epiglottitis is a severe form of the condition that usually affects children. The condition is also called epiglottiditis.
Cause
Epiglottitis is caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B, an aggressive bacterium that at one time caused many serious infections in children under age five. The vaccine against this bacteria has essentially wiped out all cases of H. influenzae epiglottitis, MENINGITIS, CELLULITIS, and PNEUMONIA, diseases that used to kill or cripple several thousand chilchildren a year. Rare cases of epiglottitis still occur, now caused by other bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Symptoms
The severe form is characterized by sore throat, fever, noisy breathing, croupy cough, and a swollen epiglottis. The patient may turn blue and require an emergency tracheostomy to maintain breathing.
Treatment
Antibiotics, rest, oxygen, and supportive care.
Tags: Acute epiglottitis, covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing, Epiglottitis, Inflammation of the epiglottis, thin flap of cartilage lying behind the root of the ton
Posted in Health and Wellness
