Epiglottitis – What is it?

Definiton

An epiglottitis is usually a bacterial infection of the mucous membrane, which is limited to the larynx. This means that it is found in the area between the throat and the trachea. Typically, it manifests itself by a rapidly setting fever with sore throat. A whistling sound of breathing during inhalation and a dull speech may also occur as the infection progresses. There is always a need for medical action in this disease, as in the worst case it can lead to obstruction of the airways.

Causes

The cause of epiglottitis is usually a bacterial infection of the mucous membrane. More precisely, it is the pathogen called “Haemophilus influenzae type B” that causes this clinical picture. It is transmitted via droplet infection.

Nowadays, infections with this bacterium are rather rare, since there is a protective vaccination for prevention. Vaccinated children therefore no longer suffer from epiglottitis on contact with the bacteria or only develop mild symptoms. If the disease does occur, adults are more often affected.

A decreasing vaccination protection over the years is being discussed. The pathogen then preferentially settles in the area of the larynx and leads to an inflammation. In contrast to children, other bacteria such as streptococci can also be the cause of the disease.

In this case, a calculated therapy is required and possibly a smear test to detect the pathogen. Viral pathogens are only very rarely considered in cases of inflammation of the epiglottis and do not cause the typical symptoms. A purely mechanical or thermal irritation of the epiglottis is very untypical.

Drinking excessively hot beverages or injuring the epiglottis with food components cannot usually be suspected as the cause of epiglottitis. This is because, anatomically speaking, it lies too low. Liquids or drinks would therefore tend to irritate structures located further up the throat mucosa or palatine tonsils.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of epiglottitis in adults is made by an ENT physician in the majority of cases. However, a general practitioner is also able to diagnose an inflammation of the epiglottis, but may include a specialist in the treatment. For children, the pediatrician is responsible. All doctors make their diagnosis by visually examining the epiglottis in conjunction with the symptoms of the person affected. In addition to a detailed interview, the epiglottis is therefore always inspected through the mouth using a small mirror.