Question 1

must i seek immediate help if my child has acute epiglottitis?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: This is very rare in immunized children. However, if you suspect this, your child should be seen in an emergency department. Epiglottitis is life threatening.

Question 2

how can i prevent my child's acute epiglottitis from coming back?

Accepted Answer

Nothing other than..: Getting full doses of pneumococcal vaccines.  Acute epiglottitis became a rare disease entity since universal vaccination against hemophilus influenzae type b was instituted in early 1990's.  Sporadic cases of acute epiglottitis have been reported since then, which are caused by streptococcus pneumoniae or by group a strep.

Question 3

what's epiglottitis risk?

Accepted Answer

Can stop breathing: The epiglottis is a tissue structure in the back of the throat that overlies the vocal cords. If infected (usually h. Flu bacteria or virus), it can become inflamed, swell up, and even stop breathing. Small children are at worst risk because their airways are small. In rare cases, it can cause death. If anyone feels that his/her throat is swelling, this is a reason to seek emergency treatment.

Question 4

what causes  epiglottitis?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottitis: Children are more vulnerable to developing epiglottitis. This is an infection of the epiglottis (that cartilaginous structure at the back of the tongue that prevents food from dropping into the  windpipe) by bacteria called hemophilus influenzae type b (hib). Fortunately enough, this infection has almost disappeared ever since the introduction of the hib vaccine.

Question 5

can you explain epiglottitis?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottitis: Epiglottitis is infection of the epiglottis. During this process, the epiglottis becomes inflamed and swollen causing a croup type of cough. It is caused by bacteria called hemophilus influenzae type b or hib. It is a severe infection and often causes difficulty or even stoppage of breathing which necessitates endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy (tube inserted into the windpipe).

Question 6

what is an epiglottitis spasm?

Accepted Answer

Laryngeal spasm: Epiglottitis occurs when an infection by a bacteria called hemophilus influenza , type b, causes severe swelling of the epiglottis, with the potential for obstructing the airway just below it. The "spasm" is actually of the  muscles associated with the vocal cords, and this is known as laryngeal spasm or laryngospasm. The epiglottis itself does not spasm.

Question 7

how did i develop epiglottitis?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to bacteria: Epiglotitis is often caused by a bacteria called hemophilus influenza'.  It is bacterial, it is not an influenza organism.  Rx requires usually a newer form of penicillin, steroids to rapidly shrink the inflammation and the soft tissue in the back of the throat that will block breathing when gets inflammed enough. C prior answer too.

Question 8

what are the tests for epiglottitis?

Accepted Answer

Scope and cultures: Most of the time, an ENT doctor will examine the airway with a scope (with an anesthesiologist right there to put an airway tube in if there is epiglottitis); ultrasound is also sometimes used.  Cultures of blood and the epiglottis are done as well.

Question 9

what are the symptoms of epiglottitis?

Accepted Answer

Please see below.: In epiglottitis, the epiglottis (which comes off the back of the tongue deep in the throat) and surrounding area is infected and swollen.  This can completely block the airway, which can cause death. Symptoms can also include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and muffled voice. If you suspect epiglottitis in someone, they need to be seen at the hospital immediately.

Question 10

who is at risk to  develop epiglottitis?

Accepted Answer

Epiglottitis: Children are more vulnerable to developing epiglottitis. This is an infection of the epiglottis (that cartilaginous structure at the back of the tongue that prevents food from dropping into the  windpipe) by bacteria called hemophilus influenzae type b (hib). Fortunately enough, this infection has almost disappeared ever since the introduction of the hib vaccine.

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Child with epiglottitis

A member asked:

Must i seek immediate help if my child has acute epiglottitis?

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How can i prevent my child's acute epiglottitis from coming back?

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What's epiglottitis risk?

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What causes epiglottitis?

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Can you explain epiglottitis?

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What is an epiglottitis spasm?

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How did i develop epiglottitis?

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What are the tests for epiglottitis?

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What are the symptoms of epiglottitis?

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Who is at risk to develop epiglottitis?

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