Epiglottitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Epiglottitis is an infection of the epiglottis, which can cause epiglottis dysfunction and swelling of the epiglottis. In severe cases, epiglottitis can cause life-threatening respiratory obstruction.
While the epiglottis itself is a cartilage that functions as a valve between the food channel and the trachea (airway). This organ will close during the swallowing process. The epiglottis functions as a valve to keep food from entering the digestive tract and not entering the respiratory tract.
Symptom
Symptoms of epiglottitis consist of:
1. Sore throat
2. Hoarseness
3. Difficulty swallowing
4. Respiratory disturbances, feeling short of breath, in a state of severe obstruction the patient will appear bluish
5. Stridor (harsh breathing sounds)
6. Hoarseness
7. High fever
8. Drooling or excessive salivation due to painful swallowing
9. tripod position. The patient will sit with his arms forward for support, with his head tilted slightly forward. This position allows the airflow to enter the lungs more optimally.
Reason
Epiglottitis is generally caused by infection with Haemophilus Influenzae type b bacteria. Another bacteria that usually causes epiglottitis is streptococcal bacteria, especially in adult patients.
This disease is most often found in children aged 2–5 years and rarely occurs in children under 2 years of age. However, actually epiglottitis can occur in everyone.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of epiglottitis can be determined by conducting a medical interview and physical examination. On direct inspection using a laryngoscope, a swollen epiglottis can be seen. Examination of the culture of the throat mucus can show a bacterial cause of this infection.
Treatment
Epiglottitis is an emergency situation, so it needs fast treatment. If not treated quickly, this condition can cause airway obstruction which causes death. Epiglottitis sufferers must be immediately taken to the hospital for a thorough examination.
Ensuring the patient’s airway is open is the first step that needs to be taken. If the airway is closed, then inserting an endotracheal tube or placing a breathing hole in the trachea (tracheostomy) needs to be done as soon as possible. Furthermore, the patient can be given antibiotics and steroids for epiglottitis.
Prevention
Epiglottitis can be prevented. Immunization to prevent H. Influenza infection can be done for children under 2 months old.