Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis happens when the epiglottis (a small cartilage lid covering your windpipe), swells further blocking airflow into your lungs. Most cases of epiglottitis are potentially life-threatening.
Risk Factors of epiglottitis
Factors that can increase your chances of developing epiglottitis are:
- A weak immune system
- Lack of necessary and adequate vaccination in children
Diagnosis of epiglottitis
If your doctor sees signs of epiglottitis, he will first ensure that enough oxygen is getting through by using an oximeter.
Once your breathing is stabilized, your doctor will run the following tests on you:
Symptoms
Symptoms of Epiglottitis
Symptoms of epiglottitis can be different in children and adults. However, the most common and obvious symptoms of epiglottitis are:
- Severe sore throat
- Drooling
- Fever
- Restless behavior
- Discomfort lying down
- Difficulty in swallowing
- High-pitched sound while inhaling
Treatment
Treatment of epiglottitis
The most initial and immediate form of treatment is to ensure you are getting enough oxygen. If the flow of oxygen is less, then adequate amount of oxygen flow is ensured through an oxygen mask or a breathing pipe by inserting a needle in the trachea.
If the epiglottitis has been caused due to an infection, antibiotics and intravenous drugs are administered. These antibiotics are given on an immediate and long-term basis.
