Epiglottitis (or "supraglottitis") is an inflammation Inflammation Inflammation is a complex set of responses to infection and injury involving leukocytes as the principal cellular mediators in the body's defense against pathogenic organisms. Inflammation is also seen as a response to tissue injury in the process of wound healing. The 5 cardinal signs of inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. Inflammation of the epiglottis Epiglottis A thin leaf-shaped cartilage that is covered with laryngeal mucosa and situated posterior to the root of the tongue and hyoid bone. During swallowing, the epiglottis folds back over the larynx inlet thus prevents foods from entering the airway. Larynx: Anatomy and adjacent supraglottic structures Supraglottic Structures Laryngomalacia and Tracheomalacia. The majority of cases are caused by bacterial infection; however, several viral and fungal pathogens have been identified, depending on the patient’s immune status and age. Symptoms are rapid in onset and severe. Without treatment, epiglottitis can cause life-threatening airway Airway ABCDE Assessment obstruction that presents with difficulty breathing, stridor Stridor Laryngomalacia and Tracheomalacia, and cyanosis Cyanosis A bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to an increase in the amount of deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood or a structural defect in the hemoglobin molecule. Pulmonary Examination. Diagnosis is mainly clinical but can be confirmed by pharyngoscopy. The focus Focus Area of enhancement measuring < 5 mm in diameter Imaging of the Breast of treatment is airway Airway ABCDE Assessment management and administration of antibiotics.
Last updated: 8 Jan, 2021
Bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy Endoscopic examination, therapy or surgery of the bronchi. Laryngomalacia and Tracheomalacia image shows a swollen and inflated epiglottis Epiglottis A thin leaf-shaped cartilage that is covered with laryngeal mucosa and situated posterior to the root of the tongue and hyoid bone. During swallowing, the epiglottis folds back over the larynx inlet thus prevents foods from entering the airway. Larynx: Anatomy and arytenoids along with aryepiglottic folds consistent with acute epiglottitis (supraglottitis).
Image: “ Bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy Endoscopic examination, therapy or surgery of the bronchi. Laryngomalacia and Tracheomalacia” by Department of Pediatrics, University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio, United States of America. License: CC BY 3.0Acute epiglottitis presenting with the “thumb sign” in a lateral neck Neck The part of a human or animal body connecting the head to the rest of the body. Peritonsillar Abscess x-ray X-ray Penetrating electromagnetic radiation emitted when the inner orbital electrons of an atom are excited and release radiant energy. X-ray wavelengths range from 1 pm to 10 nm. Hard x-rays are the higher energy, shorter wavelength x-rays. Soft x-rays or grenz rays are less energetic and longer in wavelength. The short wavelength end of the x-ray spectrum overlaps the gamma rays wavelength range. The distinction between gamma rays and x-rays is based on their radiation source. Pulmonary Function Tests
Image: “Acute epiglottitis; Lateral view in X-ray X-ray Penetrating electromagnetic radiation emitted when the inner orbital electrons of an atom are excited and release radiant energy. X-ray wavelengths range from 1 pm to 10 nm. Hard x-rays are the higher energy, shorter wavelength x-rays. Soft x-rays or grenz rays are less energetic and longer in wavelength. The short wavelength end of the x-ray spectrum overlaps the gamma rays wavelength range. The distinction between gamma rays and x-rays is based on their radiation source. Pulmonary Function Tests imaging.” by Med Chaos – Own work. License: CC0Prognosis Prognosis A prediction of the probable outcome of a disease based on a individual’s condition and the usual course of the disease as seen in similar situations. Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas is good if diagnosed and treated immediately but the disease can lead to death if there is acute and untreated airway Airway ABCDE Assessment obstruction.
Complications of epiglottitis