Epiglotitis

Epiglotitis is inflammation of the epiglottis, which is a valve that closes the respiratory tract when eating or drinking. Epiglotitis is generally caused by a bacterial infection or injury to the throat.

The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped valve located behind the tongue. This valve serves to close the windpipe when someone swallows, so that food or liquid does not enter the respiratory tract.

Epiglottic inflammation can occur at any age. However, this condition is most often experienced by children aged 2-5 years. In addition to children, people with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV / AIDS or cancer, are also vulnerable to epiglotitis.

Symptoms of Epiglotitis

In children, the symptoms of epiglotitis can get worse quickly, even in a matter of hours. Whereas in adults, the symptoms of epiglotitis will generally worsen slowly. Epiglotitis can cause symptoms such as:

Fever

Sore throat

Difficulty swallowing

Snoring

Hoarseness

Ngeces

Hard to breathe

Children who experience epiglotitis can also become fussy and irritable. In addition to some of the symptoms above, sufferers of epiglotitis tend to prefer sitting up straight with the body leaning forward. This position can make it easier for sufferers to breathe.

When to see a doctor

Because the symptoms are similar, epiglotitis is often considered a croup disease, an infection of the throat to the windpipe due to a virus. However, it should be noted that epiglotitis is more dangerous than croup.

Epiglotitis must be treated as soon as possible. If not treated immediately, the swollen epiglottis can cover the windpipe so that it blocks the supply of oxygen. This condition can lead to death. Therefore, patients who show symptoms of epiglotitis should be taken to the hospital immediately.

Do not lay the patient in the supine position, or examine the throat of the patient without being accompanied by a medical officer, because it can worsen the patient's condition.

Causes of epiglotitis

The main cause of epiglotitis is bacterial infection. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) are the types of bacteria that most often trigger inflammation in the epiglottis.

These bacteria have the same method of spread with the flu, namely through sprinkling of saliva and snot in patients, which are accidentally inhaled.

Infection will cause the epiglottis to swell. Swelling in the epiglottis can block the passage of air in and out of the respiratory tract, thus potentially causing death.

Apart from bacterial infections, epiglotitis can occur due to fungal infections or viral infections. Epiglotitis can also be caused by an injury to the throat, for example due to swallowing chemicals or sharp objects, drinking hot drinks, smoking, or bumps in the throat.

Diagnosis of epiglotitis

People suspected of having epiglotitis must be taken to the hospital immediately because they need emergency treatment. The first priority is not to find the cause of epiglotitis, but rather to ensure that the respiratory tract is open. For that, doctors can install the hose as a breathing aid.

After ascertaining that the respiratory tract is smooth, there are several further examinations by the doctor to find out the cause, including:

Blood test, to see signs of infection.

Epiglottis binoculars with nasoendoscopy, to see the condition of the epiglottis.

Epiglottis biopsy, which is taking and examining epiglottic tissue samples to see bacterial infections and changes in tissue.

In addition, the doctor can also perform chest or neck X-rays, as well as a CT scan or MRI, to check for other possible causes.

Treatment of epiglotitis

To ensure that the respiratory tract remains open, one of the procedures performed by the doctor is to install a breathing tube (endotracheal intubation) through the mouth.

If the epiglottis covers the windpipe and the breathing tube is difficult to install, the doctor can perform a tracheostomy, which is to pierce the patient's neck and attach a special instrument directly to the windpipe.

If epiglotitis is caused by a bacterial infection, the ENT doctor will give an antibiotic injection. Initially, the doctor will give antibiotics which in general can kill many bacteria.

After the results of blood tests or tissue samples come out, doctors can replace antibiotics according to the type of bacteria that causes epiglotitis.

In addition to antibiotics, doctors can also give other medicines, such as corticosteroid drugs to reduce swelling and inflammation in the throat.

Prevention of epiglotitis

The main thing that needs to be done to prevent epiglotitis is to avoid Hib infection. Therefore, Hib vaccination is the main prevention of epiglotitis. In Indonesia, Hib vaccine is given together with DPT and hepatitis B.

Giving this vaccine has 4 stages, namely when the baby is 2, 3, 4, and 15-18 months. For children who come for the first time to be immunized at the age of 1-5 years, this vaccine is only given 1 time. Whereas for children over 5 years, there is no need to be immunized.

Apart from vaccines, epiglotitis can be prevented by diligently washing hands with soap and water or hand sanitizing solutions, and not sharing the use of personal items with others.

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