Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is an infection of the epiglottis that can cause epiglottis dysfunction and swelling. In severe cases, epiglottitis can cause life-threatening respiratory obstruction.
Symptoms of Epiglottitis
The infection usually begins in the upper respiratory tract as inflammation of the nose and throat. Then, the infection moves down to the epiglottis. The infection is often accompanied by bacteremia (blood infection). Epiglottitis can be quickly fatal because the swelling of the infected tissue can block the airway and stop breathing.
Typically, the infection begins suddenly and progresses rapidly. Symptoms include:
- Sore throat.
- Swallowing disorder.
- Respiratory disorders.
- Bend forward, in an attempt to breathe.
- Stridor (harsh breathing sound)
- Hoarse voice.
- Shivering.
- Fever.
- Cyanosis (bluish skin color).
- Drooling.
Causes of Epiglottitis
- Bacterial infections are the main cause of epiglottitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) are the types of bacteria that most often cause inflammation of the epiglottis.
- Some of these infections can cause the epiglottis to swell and block the flow of air into and out of the respiratory tract, potentially causing death.
- In addition to infection, throat injuries can also cause inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. For example, due to a hard impact or blow, foreign objects or swallowed chemicals, and the use of illegal drugs that are smoked.
Epiglottitis Risk Factors
There are many risk factors for epiglottitis, such as:
- Men are more prone to epiglottitis than women. The reason is unknown.
- Activities in public spaces that can increase the risk of exposure to respiratory infections, for example at school or childcare.
- Weak immune system can make the body struggle to fight infections. Diabetes is one of the health problems that can weaken the immune system, so people who have diabetes are also susceptible to epiglottitis.
- Children under 12 months of age, because they have not received the Hib vaccine. Generally, this inflammation occurs more often in children aged 2-6 years and the elderly (> 85 years).
Diagnosis of Epiglottitis
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and laryngoscopy showing swelling of the epiglottis. Culture of blood or throat mucus may show the presence of bacteria. A complete blood count shows an increase in white blood cells. A neck X-ray may show swelling of the epiglottis.
Epiglottitis Complications
Epiglottitis can cause a number of complications, including:
- Respiratory failure. The epiglottis is a small, movable flap just above the larynx that prevents food and drink from entering the airway. However, if the epiglottis becomes swollen, either due to infection or injury, the airway narrows and can become blocked. This can lead to respiratory failure, a life-threatening condition where the oxygen level in the blood drops or the carbon dioxide level becomes too high.
- Spread of infection. Sometimes the bacteria that cause epiglottitis will cause other infections in the body, such as pneumonia, meningitis, or blood infections.
Epiglottitis Treatment
Epiglottitis is an emergency, so it requires quick treatment. If not treated quickly, this condition can cause airway obstruction which can result in death. People with epiglottitis should be taken to the hospital immediately 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, the installation of an endotracheal tube or the installation of a breathing hole in the trachea (tracheostomy) needs to be done immediately. Then, the patient is given antibiotics and steroids for epiglottitis.
Epiglottitis Prevention
Epiglottitis can be prevented. Immunization to prevent H. influenzae infection can be done for children under 2 months old.
