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CareNotes System - Acute Epiglottitis (General Information)
Acute Epiglottitis
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it?
- Epiglottitis (ep-ih-glah-TEYE-tis) is inflammation (redness and swelling) of the epiglottis, usually caused by an infection. The epiglottis is a tongue-like flap of tissue at the back of the throat. It stays open to allow air to go from the throat to the trachea (windpipe) when you breathe. It closes when you swallow to prevent food and liquid from going into the trachea. When the epiglottis swells, it can block the trachea and cause serious breathing problems. Epiglottitis can get worse very quickly. It is a medical emergency that should be treated immediately by caregivers. Without medical treatment, a swollen epiglottis may completely block the trachea and cause a person to die.
- In the past, children ages two to six years old most commonly got epiglottitis. Today most children get "Hib" shots as part of their regular childhood immunization (im-u-nih-ZAY-shun) program. Hib shots, or Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccinations, help decrease a person's chance of getting epiglottitis. Anyone can get epiglottitis, but certain people are at higher risk. These people include children ages two to six years old, and adults or older children who have not had Hib shots.
What causes epiglottitis? Epiglottitis is usually caused by a bacterial (germ) infection in the throat. The bacteria that most commonly causes epiglottitis is called Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib).
What are the signs and symptoms of epiglottitis? Epiglottitis often begins with a fever and severe (very bad) sore throat and neck. Other signs and symptoms are as follows:
- Breathing problems. You may be short of breath and feel like you cannot get enough air. You may need to push out your chin with your mouth open and tongue out to help with breathing. You may sit up and lean forward to try to make your breathing easier.
- Drooling. This may occur because you have trouble swallowing or cannot swallow at all.
- Harsh and raspy (loud) breathing.
- Pain when swallowing.
- Restlessness and anxiousness (feeling of fear).
- Voice changes. These include sounding hoarse or having a muffled voice (soft and cannot be heard very well).
How is epiglottitis treated? Epiglottitis cannot be treated at home. It is a medical emergency that should be treated immediately by a caregiver. Go to the hospital right away. Try to stay calm. Call 911 or have a friend or family member drive you. Do not try to drive yourself. Antibiotic medicine may be used to treat the infection. Caregivers may need to put a breathing tube in your nose or throat to help you breathe easier.
How can epiglottitis be prevented? "Hib" shots are vaccinations (vak-si-NAY-shuns) that decrease a person's chance of getting epiglottitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). It is a common immunization for children in the United States and most developed countries. Ask caregivers if you and your child have had Hib shots in the past. To learn more about Hib shots, contact the following organization:
- The National Immunization Program Public Inquiries
1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-05
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 1-800-232-4636
Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
Seek care immediately if: You or a person with you should call 911 or "0" (operator) if you have any of the following:
- Fever and very sore throat, and trouble breathing.
- Drooling because you cannot swallow very well, or you cannot swallow at all.
- Shortness of breath. You feel like you must sit up and lean forward to get enough air to breathe. Seek care immediately if you must have your mouth open and tongue hanging out to help you breathe.
- Lips, skin, and fingernails that are a blue, gray, or white color.
- Pain with swallowing.
- Raspy, harsh (loud) breathing.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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