Understanding Epiglottitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Emergency Treatment

What is Epiglottitis?

Epiglottitis refers to the inflammation and swelling of your epiglottis. It is often caused by bacterial infection. Acute or sudden-onset epiglottitis could lead to severe symptoms like difficulty in breathing and swallowing. With that said, let's delve deeper into who gets affected by this condition.

Who does Epiglottitis affect?

Epiglottitis can strike people of any age group. However, statistics reveal that men are more susceptible to it than women, with a rate of 2.5 to 1.

How common is Epiglottitis?

Epiglottitis is relatively rare in India and is less common in children aged 3 to 5 years due to widespread vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Improved access to healthcare and vaccination programmes have significantly reduced the incidence of epiglottitis making it a rare occurrence compared to previous decades. Since 1985, the annual incidence of invasive Hib infection, the leading cause of epiglottitis, has fallen by 99% to less than 1 per 100,000 people.

What are the typical signs and symptoms of Epiglottitis?

Typical epiglottitis symptoms include:

• abrupt onset of severe throat pain
• difficulty swallowing
• high fever

These hallmark epiglottitis symptoms often progress rapidly, leading to drooling, stridor (noisy breathing), and respiratory distress.

It is important to recognize these signs because epiglottitis can quickly compromise the airway. If any epiglottitis symptoms are suspected, especially in children and adults, an immediate medical attention should be sought to prevent possible airway obstruction and effectively treat the underlying inflammation.

A prompt epiglottitis diagnosis through clinical evaluation and imaging is vital to initiate appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics and sometimes interventions to secure the airway, ensuring the best possible outcome for the patient.

What are the 4 Ds of Epiglottitis?

Healthcare professionals sometimes refer to the most common symptoms of epiglottitis as the "four Ds":

They include:

• Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing
• Dysphonia: Hoarseness or an abnormal voice
• Drooling: Involuntary saliva flow from your mouth
• Distress: Difficulty Breathing or lack of Oxygen

These indicators should prompt immediate medical attention.

What causes Epiglottitis?

Epiglottitis causes include bacterial infections, particularly by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria, which invades and inflames the epiglottis. This condition results in rapid swelling of the epiglottis, which is a crucial flap of tissue that covers the windpipe during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airways.

Rarely, other bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Staphylococcus aureus can also cause epiglottitis. Epiglottitis causes inflammation that rapidly compromises the airways, causing severe respiratory distress and potentially life-threatening obstruction. Immediate medical intervention is required to control the airways and administer antibiotics to treat the underlying infection.

Is Epiglottitis contagious?

Yes! If epiglottitis causes are related to a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, it can spread through saliva droplets or mucus. However, if epiglottitis is caused due to an injury or smoking, the condition cannot be spread to others.

How is Epiglottitis diagnosed?

Epiglottitis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. If a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of epiglottitis, such as severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory distress, doctors prioritize a thorough physical examination while maintaining caution to avoid triggering further airway compromise.

Epiglottitis diagnostic tests commonly used include:

• Throat Examination: Direct visualisation of the throat to assess the epiglottis, which may appear swollen and red
• Imaging Studies: X-rays or more commonly, CT scans, to visualise the airway and confirm inflammation of the epiglottis
• Blood Tests: May be conducted to assess the severity of infection and monitor inflammatory markers.

Since epiglottitis can develop rapidly, timely diagnosis is essential, As it facilitates a timely treatment with antibiotics and interventions if necessary to secure patient's airway. Which can ensure an optimal outcome for epiglottitis diagnosis and treatment. However, procedures involving direct examination of the throat are often delayed until the patient's airway can be safely managed in a controlled medical environment.

How long does it take to recover from Epiglottitis treatment?

Recovery time from epiglottitis treatment will vary based on the health of the individual and the severity of the disease. It can vary from a few days to a few weeks.

How can I prevent Epiglottitis?

Preventing epiglottitis primarily involves vaccination and hygiene practices:

• Vaccination: Ensuring that children receive the Hib vaccine, which protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, a common cause of epiglottitis
• Good Hygiene: Promoting regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with individuals who have respiratory infections can reduce transmission of bacteria and viruses responsible for epiglottitis causes.
• Prompt Medical Attention: Seeking immediate medical attention for respiratory infections or severe throat symptoms can help prevent complications that can lead to epiglottitis.

By prioritising these things, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting epiglottitis and its potentially serious consequences.

What can I expect if I have Epiglottitis?

If you're diagnosed with epiglottitis, your healthcare provider will first focus on making sure your airways are open and enough oxygen is reaching your lungs. Once breathing has stabilized, additional diagnostic tests will be performed.

Is Epiglottitis fatal?

If left untreated or not treated promptly, epiglottitis can become life-threatening due to potential respiratory failure. Hence early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

When to see a doctor?

If you're experiencing symptoms suggestive of epiglottitis, such as severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing or speaking, rapid heartbeat, irritability, bluish skin or respiratory distress seek a prompt medical attention.

Remember: epiglottitis is a medical emergency!

Conclusion

Epiglottitis might seem a bit intimidating but with proper knowledge about its causes, symptoms, and treatments, it can be managed effectively. Regular check-ups and prompt attention to any concerning symptoms are vital.

Metropolis Healthcare's home-based diagnostic services provide comprehensive medical testing for various conditions including infections that could lead to epiglottitis. Our expert team of phlebotomists ensures safe sample collection from the comfort of your home, processed at our state-of-the-art laboratories ensuring reliable results delivered directly to your inbox. So empower yourself with knowledge and take control of your health today with Metropolis Healthcare's trusted diagnostic services. After all, health comes first!