Epiglottitis: Inflammation of the Epiglottis

Symptoms

Epiglottitis manifests itself in the following symptoms, which appear suddenly:

  • Fever
  • Dysphagia
  • Pharyngitis
  • Salivation
  • Muffled, throaty voice
  • Difficulty breathing and breathing sounds (stridor).
  • Poor general condition
  • Unlike pseudocroup, cough is rare

Most affected are children between 2-5 years, but the disease can also occur in adults. Thanks to good vaccination coverage since the 1990s, it has become rare in many countries. However, it can still occur, for example, in children who have not been vaccinated or in whom vaccination has failed. Possible complications include respiratory distress and suffocation, as well as spread of infection to other organs.

Causes

Epiglottitis is an inflammation and dangerous swelling of the epiglottis at the entrance to the larynx, the junction with the trachea. It is usually caused by the gram-negative and encapsulated rod bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). This pathogen also causes dangerous meningitis and pneumonia, among other things. Other possible causes include other bacteria, viruses, fungi, burns, chemical burns, and injuries.

Transmission

Bacteria are transmitted as droplets when exhaled. They are commonly found in the respiratory tract of asymptomatic (healthy) carriers.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by medical treatment based on symptoms (laryngoscopy), imaging techniques, and detection of the causative agent. Similar symptoms are caused by common pseudocroup, diphtheria (rare), allergic reactions, inflammation of the trachea, and aspiration of foreign bodies, among others.

Treatment

Because of the risk of asphyxiation, immediate medical treatment is necessary, which ensures that the patient is breathing and receiving adequate oxygen. Medications used for treatment include oxygen, cephalosporins such as ceftriaxone, and antipyretic agents.

Prevention

Hib vaccination is available for prevention; it is one of the basic immunizations in many countries and is routinely given to infants at 2, 4, and 6 months of age.