Epiglottitis is an acute inflammation in the supraglottic region of the oropharynx with inflammation of the epiglottis, vallecula, arytenoids, and aryepiglottic folds. Epiglottitis 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. Epiglottitis typically affects children, and is associated with fever, difficulty swallowing, drooling, and stridor. Epiglottitis is most common in children between 2 and 6 years old. The child often appears acutely ill, anxious, and has very quiet shallow breathing with the head held forward, insisting on sitting up in bed. The early symptoms are insidious but rapidly progressive, and swelling of the throat may lead to cyanosis and asphyxiation.
Epiglottitis affects more men than women. Hib bacteria spread rapidly when people are in close contact and weak immune system. Medicines or diseases that weaken the immune system can make adults more prone to epiglottitis. Antibiotics are given intravenously and humidified oxygen, which is oxygen that has been moistened, is given to help the patient breathe. Ceftriaxone or chloramphenicol either alone or in association with penicillin or ampicillin for streptococcal coverage. Other antibotics such ,rocephin and polycillin and principen also recommended. Avoid offering food or water because that might cause vomiting, which often makes breathing even more difficult. many time family members should be treated if appropriate.
Epiglottitis Treatment and Prevention Tips:
1. Fluids given by IV
2. Antibiotics to treat the infectionof epiglottitis.
3. Corticosteroids to decrease the swelling of the throat.
4. Ceftriaxone or chloramphenicol drugs is also useful in epiglottitis.
5. Avoid therapy such as sedation, inhalers, or racemic epinephrine.
6. Others antibacterial drug, such as rifampin, to prevent further infection.
