Definition, Symptoms and How to heal Epiglottis

Description:

Epiglottis is a cartilaginous structure that hangs at the entrance to the larynx and vocal cords cover. The epiglottis serves as a place to store your food from the larynx to the trachea (ie, air ducts bring air to the lungs) When the epiglottis becomes inflamed or infected, the condition is known as Epiglottitis.

Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition because it can impede the flow of air into the lungs.

Factors that can cause swollen epiglottis include burns from hot liquids, direct injury to the throat infection. The most common causes Epiglottitis in children is an infection of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), the bacteria that also causes pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. Epiglottitis can occur at any age. Routine Hib vaccination for infants may prevent Epiglottitis.

Symptoms:

Symptoms in children

In children, signs and symptoms of Epiglottitis can develop within hours, symptoms that include:

- Fever

- Severe pain in the throat

- Difficult and painful swallowing

- Worried

- Feel comfortable when sitting

Symptoms in adults

For adults, the signs and symptoms include:

- Severe sore throat

- Muffled or hoarse voice

- Loud, raspy breathing

- Difficulty breathing

Maintenance:

Epiglotitis treatment aimed at helping sufferers can breathe. After that a new treat patients with infections. In extreme cases or if such treatment measures fail, doctors may need to create an emergency airway by inserting a needle directly into the area of cartilage in the trachea. This procedure, called a tracheotomy allows air into the lungs through the larynx. If Epiglottitis associated with infections, intravenous antibiotics will be given after the patient can breathe freely.