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.
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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 intubation, ,
Outlook
- ·5% risk of death
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See all of Mouth & Teeth →Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.