Epiglottitis (ep-ih-glah-TEYE-tis) is redness and swelling of the epiglottis, usually caused by an infection. The epiglottis is a tongue-like flap of tissue at the back of the throat. It stays open to allow air to go from your throat to your trachea (windpipe) when you breathe. It closes when you swallow to prevent food and liquid from going into your trachea. When the epiglottis swells, it can block the trachea and cause serious breathing problems. Epiglottitis can get worse very quickly. It is a medical emergency that should be treated immediately by caregivers. Without medical treatment, a swollen epiglottis may completely block the trachea and cause your child to die.
"Hib" shots, or Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccinations, help decrease your child's chance of getting epiglottitis. Anyone can get epiglottitis, but certain people are at higher risk. This includes adults and children who have not had Hib shots. This also includes people whose long-term health problems cause a decreased ability to fight infection. Most children get Hib shots (needles) as part of their regular childhood immunization program.
What causes epiglottitis? Epiglottitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection in the throat.
What are the signs and symptoms of epiglottitis? Epiglottitis often begins with a fever and severe (very bad) sore throat and neck. Other signs and symptoms are as follows:
Breathing problems. Epiglottitis causes your child to have difficulty getting enough air. Your child may push out his chin with his mouth open and tongue out to help with breathing. He may sit up and lean forward, or want to be held.
Drooling. This may occur because your child has trouble swallowing or cannot swallow at all.
Harsh and raspy (loud) breathing.
Pain when swallowing.
Restlessness and anxiousness (feeling of fear).
Voice changes. These include sounding hoarse or having a soft voice that is difficult to hear.
How is epiglottitis treated? Epiglottitis cannot be treated at home. It is a medical emergency that should be treated immediately by a caregiver. Your child's caregiver will want you to take your child to the hospital right away. Try to stay calm. Your child's breathing may get worse if he is afraid and crying. Antibiotic medicine may be used to treat infection. Caregivers may need to put in a breathing tube to help your child breathe easier.
How can epiglottitis be prevented? Hib shots help decrease your child's chance of getting epiglottitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). They are common immunizations for children in the United States and most developed countries. Ask caregivers if you and your child have had Hib shots in the past. To learn more about Hib shots, contact the following organization:
The National Immunization Program Public Inquiries 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-05 Atlanta, GA 30333 Phone: 1-800-232-4636 Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
Seek care immediately if:Call 911 or "0" (operator) if your child has any of the following:
Fever, a very sore throat, and trouble breathing.
Drooling.
Leaning forward with his mouth open and tongue hanging out to help him breathe.
Lips, skin, and fingernails that are a blue, gray, or white color.
Passes out (faints).
Raspy, harsh (loud) breathing.
The skin between your child's ribs is being sucked in with each breath.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
