Epiglottitis

Introduction to epiglottis Epiglottis is the cartilage at the entrance to the throat. It can be swollen and block the respiratory tract when infected with epiglottis. Therefore, epiglottis is a serious and potentially fatal infection. It occurs in children 2-6 years old and is often caused by Haemophilus influenzae. Therefore, immunization can be used to prevent infection with Haemophilus influenzae for the purpose of preventing epiglottis. basic knowledge The proportion of illness: 0.003% Susceptible people: children born in 2-6 years old Mode of infection: partial transmission through the respiratory tract Complications: high fever in children

Cause of epiglottis

Infection (50%)

Acute epiglotitis (acute epiglottitis) is often caused by viruses or bacteria, mostly caused by influenza B bacteria, and can also be mixed infections such as streptococci and staphylococcus. Other pathogenic pathogens include: Haemophilus parainfluenzae, group A streptococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium, Streptomyces, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Fusarium oxysporum, Pneumonia Pediococcus, Neisseria meningitidis and so on. The virus can also cause the disease, such as varicella-zoster virus, herpes simplex virus type I, and the like. In patients with low immunity, there may also be infections of fungi such as Candida or Aspergillus.

Trauma (40%)

Thermal damage (high temperature drinks, inhalation of steam, etc.), mechanical damage (foreign body trauma, iatrogenic-device damage, etc.), chemical damage (irritating harmful gases, irritating foods, etc.), radiation damage, etc. can cause inflammation of the epiglottis mucosa Sexual lesions, followed by edema.

Epiglottis prevention

At present, infants who have been infected with Haemophilus hemolyticus conjugate vaccine for 2 months can prevent epityphoon-infected by Haemophilus influenzae type b.

(1) High-dose broad-spectrum antibiotics.

(2) If the swelling is severe, accompanied by dyspnea, an intravenous infusion of hormone should be added to relieve epiglottis edema. For those with obvious symptoms of laryngeal obstruction, tracheotomy should be performed in time to avoid suffocation.

(3) If there is an abscess formation, the pus can be opened under the laryngoscope.

(4) Partially given antibiotics plus hormone inhalation to promote inflammation regression.

Epiglottic complications Complications

May cause high fever, sore throat.

Symptoms of symptoms of common symptoms, sore throat, high fever, difficulty breathing, coughing, hoarseness, milk flow, screaming, screaming, screaming

The onset is often acute and fulminant. The original healthy person suddenly had sore throat, hoarseness and shortness of breath, and high fever. Rapid swallowing difficulties and respiratory distress characterized by hooliganism, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and inspiratory wheezing often cause the patient to lean forward and lean back to increase ventilation. Physical examination revealed that the patient had a deep inspiratory depression on the sternum, on the clavicle, in the intercostal space and under the rib arch. Both sides of the lungs have reduced breath sounds and can smell dry sounds. The pharynx is usually inflamed.

Epiglottis test

1. Laryngoscopy: If a "beef-like" red, stiff and edematous epiglottis is observed through a direct laryngoscope, the diagnosis can be confirmed.

2. Bacterial culture test: artificial airway is established immediately, and specimens can be taken from the upper respiratory tract. Blood samples are also usually used as pathogen cultures to detect related infections.

Diagnosis of epiglottis

As long as there is clinically suspected epiglottis, the patient should be hospitalized immediately. Direct examination of the epiglottis is diagnostic, but the examination may cause sudden, fatal obstruction of the airway, so the examination of the epiglottis is only allowed to be performed by trained personnel and prepared for keeping the airway open. If a "beef-like" red, stiff and edematous epiglottis is observed through a direct laryngoscope, the diagnosis can be confirmed and an artificial airway can be established immediately (see treatment below), and specimens can then be taken from the upper respiratory tract. Blood samples are also usually used as pathogen cultures.

The most important differential diagnosis is acute viral croup and bacterial bronchitis. Patients who have not been immunized with diphtheria should also consider the possibility of diphtheria.

The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments.