How to Treat Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis and the surrounding tissues. The epiglottis covers the passage to the trachea when swallowing. This prevents food from going down the wrong way. When it becomes swollen it can be life threatening because it blocks the airway. Epiglottitis is usually seen in young children from age two through six. Because epiglottis can compromise breathing immediate treatment is crucial. Read on to learn more.
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Instructions
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Recognize symptoms. Children will usually have a high fever, sore throat and a muffled voice. The child might be drooling instead of swallowing since the sore throat is severe. The symptoms usually progress rapidly. They may develop trouble breathing.
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Go to the nearest emergency room. It you think your child has eppiglottitis they must be seen by a doctor. Although it may turn out to be something else, it is not the time to take chances. Swelling of the airway can happen leaving your child unable to get air into their lungs.
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Have an x-ray. After your child is examined by a doctor an x-ray may be ordered. Physicians will look for a "thumb sign" in the x-ray of the neck.
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Give oxygen. Because the child may have problems getting air into the lungs they may not be getting enough oxygen to vital organs. Oxygen levels need to be monitored. Supplemental oxygen may be indicated. Oxygen can be delivered via a nasal cannula, mask or mechanical ventilator.
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Establish an airway. If your child does have epiglottis the physician will evaluate how compromised their breathing is. If it appears they are in danger of having their airway completely close up they may place a breathing tube in your child's trachea and hook them to a mechanical ventilator until the swelling has subsided.
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Take antibiotics. Eppiglottitis is caused by different organisms. Antibiotics are usually given to help speed up recovery.
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Tips & Warnings
If your child is having trouble breathing call an ambulance. It is safer than taking your child to the emergency room yourself. They have the training and equipment to handle things if your child's airway closes up.
Do not confuse epiglottitis with croup. They are two different diseases. Croup usually occurs in children 6 months to 3 years. They have a barky cough and may or may not have a fever.
