Epiglottitis – Causes and Symptoms of Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is an acute life-threatening bacterial infection that results in swelling and inflammation of the epiglottis. (The epiglottis is an elastic cartilage structure at the root of the tongue that prevents food from entering the windpipe when swallowing.) This causes breathing problems, including stridor, that can progressively worsen which may, ultimately, lead to airway obstruction. There is so much swelling that air cannot get in or out of the lungs resulting in a medical emergency.
Epiglottitis is a medical emergency that may result in death if not treated quickly. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that sits at the base of the tongue that keeps food from going into the trachea, or windpipe, during swallowing. When it gets infected and inflamed, it can obstruct, or close off, the windpipe, which may be fatal unless promptly treated.
Causes of Epiglottitis
The most common cause of swelling and inflammation of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues is infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria. Hib isn’t the germ that causes the flu, but it’s responsible for other serious conditions — including respiratory tract infections and meningitis.
Epiglottis can also be caused by other types of bacteria including some types of Streptococcus bacteria and the bacteria responsible for causing diphtheria.
The cause of epiglottitis is a bacterial infection which is spread through the upper respiratory tract. The bacteria usually is Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB). The reason some children develop the disease, while others do not, is not completely understood. Another bacteria that can cause epiglottitis is group A ß - hemolytic streptococci.
It involves bacterial infection of the epiglottis, most often caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B, although some cases are attributable to Streptococcus pneumoniae or Streptococcus pyogenes.
It involves bacterial infection of the epiglottis, most often caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B, although some cases are attributable to Streptococcus pneumoniae or Streptococcus pyogenes.
Hib spreads through infected droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. It’s possible to harbor Hib in your nose and throat without becoming sick — though you still have the potential to spread the bacteria to others.
In adults with acute epiglottitis, blood cultures for H influenzae are positive in about 25% of cases. In remaining adult cases, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and group A streptococci are frequently isolated from pharyngeal cultures.
Symptoms of Epiglottitis
The most common symptoms include sore throat, muffling or changes in the voice, difficulty speaking, fever, fast heart rate, and difficulties in breathing.
Signs of respiratory distress, or trouble breathing, are seen with epiglottitis as drooling, leaning forward to breathe, taking rapid shallow breaths, “pulling in” of muscles in the neck or between the ribs with breathing (retractions), high-pitched whistling sound when breathing (stridor), and trouble speaking. Someone with acute epiglottitis usually looks very ill.
Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical help. Do not use a tongue depressor (tongue blade) to try to examine the throat at home, as this may make the condition worse.
People with epiglottitis may appear restless and breathing with their neck, chest wall, and upper belly muscles. While they may be taking in less air with each breath, they will still manifest the high-pitched whistling sound, called inspiratory stridor.
The first symptoms of epiglottitis are usually a fever (high temperature) and an extremely sore throat, which comes on quickly over a few hours. This is followed by severe difficulty in swallowing, with drooling, spitting, and fast and very noisy breathing.
Read about Ask Questions, Share Answer. Also read about Natural Remedies, Natural Cure, Herbal Remedies and Home Remedies Natural Home Remedy