Epiglottitis: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
CSV import |
CSV import Tags: mobile edit mobile web edit |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Epiglottitis''' is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the [[epiglottis]] | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Epiglottitis | |||
| image = [[File:Epiglottitis.jpg|left|thumb|Epiglottitis]] | |||
| caption = Lateral X-ray of the neck showing epiglottitis | |||
| field = [[Otorhinolaryngology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Fever]], [[sore throat]], [[difficulty swallowing]], [[drooling]], [[stridor]] | |||
| complications = [[Airway obstruction]], [[respiratory arrest]] | |||
| onset = Rapid | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Bacterial infection]] (e.g., ''[[Haemophilus influenzae]]'' type b) | |||
| risks = [[Unvaccinated]] children, [[immunocompromised]] individuals | |||
| diagnosis = [[Laryngoscopy]], [[neck X-ray]] | |||
| differential = [[Croup]], [[peritonsillar abscess]], [[retropharyngeal abscess]] | |||
| prevention = [[Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antibiotics]], [[corticosteroids]], [[intubation]] if necessary | |||
| prognosis = Good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare in vaccinated populations | |||
}} | |||
'''Epiglottitis''' is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the [[epiglottis]] — a small cartilage "lid" that covers your [[windpipe]] — swells, blocking the flow of air into your [[lungs]]. | |||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
While a cause is often not found, epiglottitis is usually caused by the bacteria [[Haemophilus influenzae]] type b (Hib). Other bacteria and viruses can also cause it. The condition is more common in children but can occur at any age. | While a cause is often not found, epiglottitis is usually caused by the bacteria [[Haemophilus influenzae]] type b (Hib). Other bacteria and viruses can also cause it. The condition is more common in children but can occur at any age. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of epiglottitis can vary greatly, but may include: | The symptoms of epiglottitis can vary greatly, but may include: | ||
| Line 12: | Line 29: | ||
* Difficulty speaking | * Difficulty speaking | ||
* Feeling of suffocation that requires sitting up or leaning forward to breathe | * Feeling of suffocation that requires sitting up or leaning forward to breathe | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
[[Diagnosis]] of epiglottitis is based on a combination of symptoms and a physical examination. In some cases, a throat culture or blood test may be necessary. | [[Diagnosis]] of epiglottitis is based on a combination of symptoms and a physical examination. In some cases, a throat culture or blood test may be necessary. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for epiglottitis involves securing the airway so that the patient can breathe, followed by antibiotics to treat the infection. In severe cases, a procedure called a [[tracheostomy]] may be necessary. | Treatment for epiglottitis involves securing the airway so that the patient can breathe, followed by antibiotics to treat the infection. In severe cases, a procedure called a [[tracheostomy]] may be necessary. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
The Hib vaccine is very effective at preventing epiglottitis caused by H. influenzae. | The Hib vaccine is very effective at preventing epiglottitis caused by H. influenzae. | ||
== Epiglottitis images == | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:Drawing_and_CT_Scan_of_Normal_Epiglottis_and_Surrounding_Structures.png|Drawing and CT Scan of Normal Epiglottis and Surrounding Structures | |||
File:Halloweensign.jpg|Epiglottitis | |||
File:Compare_epiglottis.jpg|Compare epiglottis | |||
File:Epiglottitis_endoscopy.jpg|Epiglottitis endoscopy | |||
File:Larynx_normal.jpg|Larynx normal | |||
</gallery> | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Laryngitis]] | * [[Laryngitis]] | ||
* [[Pharyngitis]] | * [[Pharyngitis]] | ||
* [[Tonsillitis]] | * [[Tonsillitis]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | [[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | [[Category:Infectious diseases]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 15:01, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Epiglottitis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, drooling, stridor |
| Complications | Airway obstruction, respiratory arrest |
| Onset | Rapid |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Bacterial infection (e.g., Haemophilus influenzae type b) |
| Risks | Unvaccinated children, immunocompromised individuals |
| Diagnosis | Laryngoscopy, neck X-ray |
| Differential diagnosis | Croup, peritonsillar abscess, retropharyngeal abscess |
| Prevention | Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, corticosteroids, intubation if necessary |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare in vaccinated populations |
| Deaths | N/A |
Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the epiglottis — a small cartilage "lid" that covers your windpipe — swells, blocking the flow of air into your lungs.
Causes[edit]
While a cause is often not found, epiglottitis is usually caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Other bacteria and viruses can also cause it. The condition is more common in children but can occur at any age.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of epiglottitis can vary greatly, but may include:
- Sudden severe sore throat
- Difficulty and painful swallowing
- Abnormal sounds (stridor) when breathing in
- Fever
- Difficulty speaking
- Feeling of suffocation that requires sitting up or leaning forward to breathe
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of epiglottitis is based on a combination of symptoms and a physical examination. In some cases, a throat culture or blood test may be necessary.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for epiglottitis involves securing the airway so that the patient can breathe, followed by antibiotics to treat the infection. In severe cases, a procedure called a tracheostomy may be necessary.
Prevention[edit]
The Hib vaccine is very effective at preventing epiglottitis caused by H. influenzae.
Epiglottitis images[edit]
-
Drawing and CT Scan of Normal Epiglottis and Surrounding Structures -
Epiglottitis -
Compare epiglottis -
Epiglottitis endoscopy -
Larynx normal
