When the epiglottis swells, blocking the flow of air into the lungs.
Causes: burns from hot liquids, infections, swallowing a foreign object, using crack.
The most common cause of epiglottis is infection with Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
Can occur at any age
Droplet transmission
| Symptoms in Children |
| ▪ Fever ▪ Severe sore throat ▪ Stridor ▪ Difficult and painful swallowing ▪ Anxious, restless behavior ▪ Difficulty breathing ▪ Hoarse or muffled voice ▪ Irritability and restlessness |
Risk factors
• Being male.
• Having a weakened immune system.
• Lacking adequate vaccination.
Complications
- Respiratory failure.
- Spreading infection.
Prevention
▪ Hib vaccine
o At 2 months
o At 4 months
o At 6 months if your child is being given the four-dose vaccine
o At 12 to 15 months
▪ Don’t share personal items.
▪ Avoid injury to the throat from drinking hot liquids or smoking.
▪ Wash your hands frequently.
Nursing Interventions
Epiglottitis must be treated in the hospital as a medical emergency.
▪ 1st priority is airway
▪ Intubation.
▪ Assess respiratory effort and rate and lung sounds
▪ Chest retractions
▪ Nasal flaring
▪ NPO
▪ Monitor Vital Signs
▪ Medications: IV fluids, antibiotics, antipyretics, corticosteroid
Diagnosis
| A laryngoscopy Throat culture and blood tests An X-ray may be used to determine the level of swelling, and to see if there is a foreign object in the airway. |
{Since epiglottitis and croup share a number of common symptoms, it is important that testing pinpoint the illness correctly so that the proper treatment may be given.}