Epiglottitis: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is epiglottitis?

Epiglottitis is an inflammatory condition of the epiglottis, which is tissue consisting of cartilage and is located on the back of the tongue. The function of the epiglottis is to work as a valve to prevent food and drink from entering the airways while swallowing or eating.

Inflammation that occurs in the epiglottis is generally caused by bacteria, but can also be caused by an injury to the throat.

If the epiglottis becomes infected, then becomes inflamed and swollen, the airway can be obstructed. Epiglottitis can block the airways making it difficult to breathe. Therefore, this condition requires emergency medical treatment because it is potentially life-threatening.

How common is this disease?

Epiglottitis is more common in children less than 5 years of age, but this condition can also occur in adults. Especially adults who have weak body systems such as people with HIV AIDS or cancer.

However, epiglottitis is a fairly rare condition. It is estimated that only about 1 or 2 in 100,000 individuals suffer from this condition. The case ratio of the incidence of this condition in men and women is 3 to 1.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of epiglottitis?

In general, the signs and symptoms of epiglottitis in each individual are not much different, even though they are triggered by various causes. However, the symptoms that appear in children and adults may be different.

The severity of this disease in children can develop quickly, even in just a matter of hours. Meanwhile, the development of symptoms in adults can last up to several days.

Epiglottitis signs and symptoms in children include:

• Sore throat
• Difficulty lowering the neck
• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness
• Excessive saliva production
• Difficult or sore throat when swallowing
• High fever
• Restless or grumpy

Unlike diseases that cause sore throats in general, inflammation of the epiglottis does not cause coughing. Signs of inflammation or inflammation at the back of the mouth are also less visible. However, the symptoms of difficulty breathing can get worse quickly.

While the symptoms of epiglottitis that often appear in adults include:

• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarse or hoarse voice
• Breath sounds
• Severe sore throat
• Can't take a breath

When should I see a doctor?

Inflammation of the epiglottis can block the airway if not treated immediately. Apart from difficulty breathing, the body is at risk of losing a lot of oxygen supply. This is a critical condition and requires emergency medical assistance. Get medical help as soon as possible.

You also need to be vigilant if you or those around you experience breathing problems and difficulty swallowing. If this condition occurs, immediately visit the doctor or nearest health service center.

Cause

What causes epiglottitis?

On scientific articles JAMA Network described a common cause of inflammation of the epiglottis is infection with the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib).

These bacteria are also the main cause of dangerous infectious diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and infections in the bloodstream. Hib bacteria can be transmitted through saliva that is released when sneezing or coughing and inhaled into the respiratory tract.

Other types of bacteria that can cause this disease to appear are Streptococcus A, B, C, as well Streptococcus pneumoniae, respectively, are causes of strep throat and pneumonia.

In addition, the viruses that cause herpes zoster, chicken pox, and viruses that cause respiratory infections can also cause this condition. Likewise, fungi that cause yeast infection or diaper rash can exacerbate inflammation of the epiglottis.

Apart from disease, other conditions that can trigger inflammation of the epiglottis are:

• Using cocaine
• Inhalation of chemical fumes
• Swallow a foreign object
• The tongue burns when eating or drinking hot drinks
• Injuries to the throat, such as stab wounds or gunshot wounds

Risk factors

What increases my risk for epiglottitis?

Epiglottitis is a condition that can occur in almost anyone, regardless of age and race. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk for developing this condition.

The following are risk factors that can trigger inflammation of the epiglottis:

1. Age

Children and infants under 1 year of age, especially those who have not received the Hib vaccine, are much more susceptible to developing this disease. In addition, epiglottis inflammation also often occurs in people aged 85 years and over.

2. Gender

Although until now the reason is not known with certainty, this disease is more common in male patients than female.

3. Activities in a less hygienic place

Exposure to bacterial infections that attack the respiratory tract is more likely to occur in unhygienic public spaces, such as schools or day care centers.

4. Having a weak immune system

Weak immunity can make the body less optimal against infection from bacteria. Diseases that can weaken the body's immune system, such as HIV, diabetes, and cancer make a person more susceptible to epiglottitis.

5. Food or drink that is too hot

Frequently consuming foods or drinks that are too hot can injure the epiglottis. Therefore, the risk of experiencing inflammation and infection is much higher.

It is important to know that having one or more of the risk factors above does not mean that you have epiglottitis.

Diagnosis

How is this disease diagnosed?

Epiglottitis is a serious condition that can be fatal. Therefore, the doctor will conduct a direct examination in the emergency room after medical treatment.

In most cases, the doctor will refer you for hospitalization. After that, the doctor can perform a series of tests which include:

• X-rays of the throat and chest to see how severe the inflammation and infection is.
• Taking a sample of throat tissue (epiglottis biopsy) and blood to determine the cause of infection, whether from a virus or bacteria.
• Deep throat examination with a special medical tube.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to treat epiglottitis?

Treatment for epiglottitis requires immediate medical assistance in the hospital.

The doctor will ensure that the airways remain open so that the body gets adequate oxygen levels. Therefore, the doctor provides respiratory assistance through intubation with a breath tube that is attached to the mouth.

After breathing has stabilized again, the doctor may also perform several types of treatment which include:

• Provide fluids intravenously to meet the body's nutritional needs until you can swallow again.
• Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
• Medicines for sore throats, especially anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids, to reduce swelling in the throat.

If the epligotid inflammation is serious, you may need to undergo tracheotomy surgery to prevent respiratory failure.

Although it can be life threatening, inflammation of the epiglottis can be effectively treated if medical treatment is done as soon as possible.

Prevention

What are some lifestyle changes that can be made to prevent epiglottitis?

Epiglottitis prevention can be done by avoiding transmission of the bacteria that cause it.

The following ways and lifestyle changes you can take to prevent inflammation of the epiglottis:

• Give your child the Hib vaccine as soon as possible. Vaccines are given in several stages for children under 18 months of age. Make sure you consult your doctor first.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use them hand sanitizer alcohol to prevent the spread of the disease.
• Avoid sharing eating utensils with other people, for example drinking from the same glass.
• Maintain a healthy diet, avoid / stop smoking, get enough rest, and pay attention to your overall health.

Please discuss with your doctor for more information in order to get the best solution for your problem.