- What are the signs and symptoms
- Possible causes
- Transmission of epiglottitis
- What is the diagnosis
- How the treatment is done
Epiglottitis is a severe inflammation caused by an infection of the epiglottis, which is the valve that prevents fluid from passing from the throat to the lungs.
Epiglottitis usually appears in children aged 2 to 7 years because the immune system is not fully developed, but it can also appear in adults with AIDS, for example.
Epiglottitis is a rapid disease that can cause airway obstruction, leading to very serious complications, such as respiratory arrest, when it is not treated. Treatment requires hospitalization, as it may be necessary to receive oxygen through a tube placed in the throat and antibiotics through the vein.
What are the signs and symptoms
Symptoms of epiglottitis usually include:
- Sore throat; Difficulty swallowing; Fever above 38ºC; Hoarseness; Excessive saliva in the mouth; Difficulty in breathing; Anxiety; Wheezing.
In cases of acute epiglottitis, the person tends to lean forward, while extending the neck backwards, in an attempt to facilitate breathing.
Possible causes
The causes of epiglottitis can be a badly cured flu, choking on an object, respiratory infections such as pneumonia, sore throats and throat burns.
In adults, the most common causes of epiglottitis are treatment of cancer with chemotherapy and radiation or inhalation of drugs.
Transmission of epiglottitis
The transmission of epiglottitis occurs through direct contact with the affected individual's saliva, through sneezing, coughing, kissing and exchanging cutlery, for example. Therefore, infected patients should wear a mask and avoid the exchange of objects that are in contact with saliva.
The prevention of epiglottitis can be done through the vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), which is the main etiologic agent of epiglottitis, and the first dose should be taken at 2 months of age.
What is the diagnosis
When the doctor suspects epiglottitis, one must immediately ensure that the person can breathe. Once stabilized, the person may have a throat analysis, an X-ray, a sample of the throat to be analyzed and blood tests.
How the treatment is done
Epiglottitis is curable and the treatment consists of interning the individual, to receive oxygen through a tube placed in the throat and for their breathing to be controlled through their own machines.
In addition, treatment also includes injection through the vein of antibiotics, such as Ampicillin, Amoxicillin or Ceftriaxone, until the infection subsides. After 3 days, the person can usually return home, but needs to take the medication orally indicated by the doctor for up to 14 days.
