acute⚑ High burden in India
Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is the of the epiglottis—the flap at the base of the tongue that prevents food entering the trachea (windpipe). Symptoms are usually rapid in onset and include trouble swallowing which can result in drooling, changes to the voice, fever, and an increased breathing rate. As the epiglottis is in the upper , swelling can interfere with breathing. People may lean forward in an effort to open the airway. As the condition worsens, stridor and bluish skin may occur.
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·Trouble swallowing, drooling, changes to the voice, fever, increased breathing rate, stridor
Causes — why it happens
- ·H. influenzae type b, burns, to the area
How it's found
- ·Medical , looking at the epiglottis
Prevention
- ·Hib vaccine, rifampin
Treatment
- ·Endotracheal , ,
Outlook
- ·5% risk of death
Test yourself
0/4 answered4 quick questions on Epiglottitis. Tap an answer to check it.
1. Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis, the flap that does what?
2. Why is epiglottitis dangerous?
3. Which vaccine helps prevent a common cause of epiglottitis?
4. Epiglottitis usually comes on rapidly with which symptoms?
More in Mouth & Teeth
Dental caries (cavities)Gum disease (periodontitis)Oral cancerCleft lip and palateMouth ulcersOral submucous fibrosisTonsillitisOral thrushLeukoplakiaTMJ disorderDental abscessGingivitis
See all of Mouth & Teeth →Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.