Huntington's Disease
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Epiglottitisisalife-threateninginfection.pptxEpiglottitis is a life-threatening infection. It causes sudden swelling of the epiglottis. The epiglottis can become so large that it blocks the windpipe, making it hard to breathe and can cause death.
Causes of Epiglottitis
INFLAMMED EPIGLOTTIS
Epiglottitis is caused by Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) bacteria. Hib can cause a number of serious infections, such as pneumonia and meningitis.
It spreads in the same way as the cold or flu virus.
The bacteria are in the tiny droplets of saliva and mucus propelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. We catch the infection by breathing in these droplets or, if the droplets have landed on a surface or object, by touching the surface and then touching your face or mouth.
During Sudden Airway Obstruction Epiglottitis
Prefer sitting upright with neck extended and face tilted slightly upward in a “sniffing” position to be able to breathe
While waiting for an ambulance, don‘t attempt to examine your child's throat, place anything inside their mouth or lay them on their back make their symptoms worse.
Keep them calm ,try not to cause panic or distress.
Fatal if throat becomes completely blocked.
Pressing on the tongue to look down the throat may cause the epiglottis to swell even more and further block the airway.
Signs and symptoms
fever with chills,
high-pitched whistling sound when breathing (stridor),
difficulty breathing,
difficulty in swallowing
drooling,
refusing to eat,
muffled or hoarse voice,
scratchy and sore throat
anxiety
reduced when leaning forward
