Epiglottitis, Pediatric
Epiglottitis is swelling and inflammation of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a small flap of tissue at the back of the tongue. The epiglottis protects the windpipe during swallowing. It stops food and liquid from going down the windpipe. Epiglottitis can block air from going into the windpipe, which can make it hard to breathe. Epiglottitis is an emergency.
CAUSES
This condition is usually caused by bacteria. The bacteria infect the nose and throat. The result is an upper respiratory tract infection. One type of bacteria that causes epiglottitis is called Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib). Other causes include:
• Throat injury.
• Throat burn, such as from drinking hot liquid.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in: …show more content…
• Needing to sit up and lean forward to breathe.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam and medical history. Other tests may be done, including:
• X-rays. They will show if the epiglottis is blocking the airway.
• Blood tests. These check for infection. They also show what bacteria are causing an infection.
• A throat exam.
TREATMENT
The most important part of treatment is making sure that your child can breathe. If the airway is blocked:
• An endotracheal tube may be put in the airway. This is a thin, soft tube. It keeps the airway open.
• A tracheostomy may be done. In this procedure, an opening is made in your child’s neck, and a tracheostomy tube is put in through the opening. This keeps the airway open.
Other treatment may include:
• Antibiotic medicine. This may be given through an IV.
• Liquid fluids and food may need to be given through an IV. This may be done if your child cannot swallow.
• Steroid medicines may be given to help decrease swelling.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider. This is
Epiglottitis is swelling and inflammation of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a small flap of tissue at the back of the tongue. The epiglottis protects the windpipe during swallowing. It stops food and liquid from going down the windpipe. Epiglottitis can block air from going into the windpipe, which can make it hard to breathe. Epiglottitis is an emergency.
CAUSES
This condition is usually caused by bacteria. The bacteria infect the nose and throat. The result is an upper respiratory tract infection. One type of bacteria that causes epiglottitis is called Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib). Other causes include:
• Throat injury.
• Throat burn, such as from drinking hot liquid.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in: …show more content…
• Needing to sit up and lean forward to breathe.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam and medical history. Other tests may be done, including:
• X-rays. They will show if the epiglottis is blocking the airway.
• Blood tests. These check for infection. They also show what bacteria are causing an infection.
• A throat exam.
TREATMENT
The most important part of treatment is making sure that your child can breathe. If the airway is blocked:
• An endotracheal tube may be put in the airway. This is a thin, soft tube. It keeps the airway open.
• A tracheostomy may be done. In this procedure, an opening is made in your child’s neck, and a tracheostomy tube is put in through the opening. This keeps the airway open.
Other treatment may include:
• Antibiotic medicine. This may be given through an IV.
• Liquid fluids and food may need to be given through an IV. This may be done if your child cannot swallow.
• Steroid medicines may be given to help decrease swelling.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider. This is