Epiglottitis is also known as inflammation of the epiglottis. It is a bacterial inflammation of the throat and entrance to the larynx. The epiglottis swells due to the inflammation. The swelling can spread to the entire larynx and cause severe shortness of breath.
Below you will find further information and selected epiglottitis specialists.
Acute epiglottitis can be life-threatening , especially in young children and schoolchildren. The epiglottis swells and the swelling can extend over the entire larynx. There is then a risk of life-threatening respiratory distress.
Quick action is necessary: Children with epiglottitis must be admitted to hospital and may require intensive medical treatment.
The calming effect of parents is particularly important. Any excitement can aggravate the child's breathing difficulties. Irritation of the swollen region can lead to a dramatic deterioration in health. There may even be a risk of cardiovascular arrest.
In most cases, epiglottitis is a bacterial inflammation of the pharynx and laryngeal entrance. The causative bacterium is Haemophilus influenza type B. Children can be vaccinated against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) at an early age.
More rarely, a viral infection can also be the cause.
If the entrance to the larynx swells, less air can reach the lungs and there is shortness of breath © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
Epiglottitis initially begins with an impairment of the general condition with
The typical symptoms of swelling of the larynx appear very quickly. These are manifested by
In addition, there are breathing difficulties with a whistling, snoring sound when inhaling, known as insirator stridor.
The diagnosis is made by describing the signs of the disease and inspecting the throat.
Specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of epiglottitis are ear, nose and throat specialists (ENT specialists).
Epiglottitis is treated with antibiotics and, if necessary, intravenous cortisone. Ventilation therapy is often necessary, in which the patient is sedated and occasionally intubated, i.e. artificially ventilated.
A preventive vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is available. Since the widespread introduction of the vaccination, the disease has declined sharply.
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