{"id":3234,"date":"2022-11-23T16:56:03","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T21:56:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/palmettoentallergy.com\/?p=3234"},"modified":"2022-11-23T16:56:04","modified_gmt":"2022-11-23T21:56:04","slug":"what-is-epiglottitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/palmettoentallergy.com\/what-is-epiglottitis\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Epiglottitis?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/palmettoentallergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-of-human-epiglottis.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3237\" width=\"358\" height=\"461\" srcset=\"https:\/\/palmettoentallergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-of-human-epiglottis.jpg 902w, https:\/\/palmettoentallergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-of-human-epiglottis-768x990.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 358px) 100vw, 358px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Your epiglottis is the tissue located at the back of your throat that prevents food and liquid from entering the windpipe as you swallow. If the epiglottis becomes infected or inflamed, it can block or partially block the windpipe and interfere with breathing. As such, it is a potentially life-threatening condition. We review more about this condition below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Causes of Epiglottitis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7342809\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">study<\/a> reports, \u201cEpiglottitis is most commonly caused by bacterial infection resulting in inflammation and edema of the epiglottis and neighboring supraglottic structures. Acute infection was once found predominantly in children ages 2 to 6 years old.\u201d In other words, it\u2019s a bacterial infection that primarily affects younger children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Symptoms of Epiglottitis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the symptoms of epiglottitis include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Fever exceeding 101 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/li><li>Sore throat.<\/li><li>Harsh or raspy breathing.<\/li><li>Difficulty swallowing.<\/li><li>Excessive drooling.<\/li><li>Fussiness.<\/li><li>Preference to learn forward rather than lie down.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because epiglottitis progresses quickly, it\u2019s important to seek treatment for your child as soon as you notice symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Treatment for Epiglottitis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you take your child to their pediatrician very early, they may be able to make a diagnosis without taking X-rays. If symptoms are advanced, however, take them immediately to the emergency room, where X-rays will be necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Epiglottitis is treated with antibiotics that can be picked up at your local pharmacy. If the infection has progressed, they may need interventions in the meantime, like a breathing tube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is standard practice to admit all patients with epiglottitis to intensive care to be closely monitored. The same study referenced above says, \u201cAn airway specialist such as an otolaryngologist, anesthesiologist, or intensivist should ideally evaluate the patient immediately to give ample time for preparing to secure the airway if necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Preventing Epiglottitis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can prevent epiglottitis by making sure your child gets their Hib vaccine according to their pediatrician\u2019s recommendation. You should also contact their doctor if they come into contact with another child who has epiglottitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more or to schedule an appointment with an <a href=\"https:\/\/palmettoentallergy.com\/throat\/airway-problems\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/palmettoentallergy.com\/throat\/airway-problems\/\">airway specialist<\/a>, call <span class=\"company-name \">Palmetto ENT &amp; Allergy<\/span> today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your epiglottis is the tissue located at the back of your throat that prevents food and liquid from entering the windpipe as you swallow. If the epiglottis becomes infected or inflamed, it can block or partially block the windpipe and interfere with breathing. As such, it is a potentially life-threatening condition. We review more about&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3237,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"Bacterial infections can be life threating, and the throat is a common area for them to occur. Learn about epiglottitis and how it&#039;s treated. 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