Epiglottiditis



Epiglottiditis




LIFE-THREATENING DISORDER



Acute epiglottiditis is an inflammation of the epiglottis that tends to cause airway obstruction. It typically strikes children ages 2 to 8. A critical emergency, epiglottiditis can prove fatal in 8% to 12% of victims unless it’s recognized and treated promptly.


Causes

Epiglottiditis usually results from infection with the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type B; occasionally, it results from pneumococci and group A streptococci.


Signs and symptoms

Sometimes preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection, epiglottiditis may progress to complete upper airway obstruction within 2 to 5 hours. Laryngeal obstruction results from inflammation and edema of the epiglottis. Accompanying symptoms include high fever, stridor, sore throat, dysphagia, irritability, restlessness, and drooling.

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Jun 16, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL & FAMILY MEDICINE | Comments Off on Epiglottiditis

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