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- The epiglottis is the cartilaginous
structure hanging over the entrance to the larynx and
covering the vocal cords. Its function is to keep food
from passing into the larynx and trachea (i.e., the airway
bringing air to the lungs). When the epiglottis
becomes inflamed or infected, this condition is known as
epiglottitis.
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- Pain on swallowing
- Sore throat
- Difficulty or garbled speech
- Drooling
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
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- Haemophilus Influenza
- Haemophilus Parainfluenza
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Group A Streptococcus
- Staphylococcus
aureus
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- Stridor -- a whistling sound heard in the neck with a stethoscope
- Indirect laryngoscopy (not safe to do in children) shows a swollen, red epiglottis
- Children should be taken to the
doctor's to have the epiglottis viewed with a special type
of scope (flexible fiber optic laryngoscope). If they
have this condition, they are placed on a ventilator because
they are at high risk of having their airway close
off.
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- Intravenous antibiotics
- Corticosteroids
- Monitor oxygenation
- Intubation (placed on ventilation
machine) if the airway is in danger of closing (see
above)
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- The most common cause is Haemophilus Influenza. A
vaccine is now available and given to all children as part
of their routine
vaccinations.
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This is a life-threatening
emergency. This condition can cut off your airway and
result in suffocation. You or your child need
emergency medical treatment -- call 911
immediately. |
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