The characteristics of epiglottis include swelling and inflammation of the epiglottis. It is a life-threatening illness. The epiglottis prevents liquid and fluids from entering the windpipe when we drink and eat. Its tissue can be infected then swell and block the airway. Epiglottitis was initially affecting children but nowadays it also common in adults (Wright, 2012). It is always caused by bacterial infection. The bacteria enter the body when breathing. The bacteria which epiglottis is Haemophilus influenza (Wright, 2012). Other causes include crack cocaine smoking, inhaling chemicals, burning the throat from certain sources of heat and throat injury. The males, those with weak immune and young children below 12 years are more likely to be infected. Epiglottitis can cause breathing difficulties, death, muffled voice, restlessness, and euphoria. This writing seeks to highlight the symptoms and treatment of epiglottitis.
To begin with, the symptoms of epiglottis include fever, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, muffled voice, harsh breathing, sore throat, drooling and painful swallowing (Wyse, 2012). The airway always becomes blocked if the condition is not treated early. The epiglottis swells which leads to breathing difficulties. This is as a result of blocking of the windpipe making it difficult to breathe. The swelling can also be as a result of an injury (Wyse, 2012). This makes it difficult for lungs to get air. This condition is an emergency. In case of a child is suspected of infection, emergency help should be sought immediately. The throat of the child should not be looked down upon since pressing on the tongue would lead to more swelling (Brice, 2014).
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Epiglottitis causes a muffled and hoarse voice. This is due to the swollen of glands which lead to difficulties in swallowing and talking. Due to the interference of air movement, a loud, high-pitched and harsh sound is created when breathing. This is also due to the location of vocal sounds in the larynx. Drooling also occurs due to swallowing difficulties (Brice, 2014).
Restlessness and death are due to the faster progress of epiglottitis once it has the strike. This is caused by lack of air in the lungs due to the blocking of the windpipe. A person may start complaining of sores in the throat and within a short time, there is severe obstruction of the airway. Death can be due to laryngospasm which closes the airway completely (Brice, 2014). A laryngoscope should be used to view the epiglottis. The severe pains in the neck and throat also cause restlessness. Euphoria is caused by inhalant intoxication. Epiglottitis leads to lack of air in the brain which causes euphoria.
The best treatment is to supply enough oxygen into the lungs. Tracheostomy is usually done. This is done by making a small cut in the trachea allowing the passage of a tube below the epiglottis. This leads to easy delivery of oxygen to the lungs (Brice, 2014). The application of an airway is a better method than a wait-and-see approach. This treatment would have helped George Washington to survive since his condition was at a severe level. The diagnosis of Washington indicated that his condition was severe hence needed proper treatment.
In conclusion, this writing has highlighted the symptoms and treatment of epiglottitis. The symptoms of epiglottis include fever, difficulty breathing, harsh breathing, sore throat, drooling and painful swallowing. The airway always becomes blocked if the condition is not treated early. The best treatment is to supply enough oxygen into the lungs which are done through the tracheostomy.
References
Brice, R. (2014). Epiglottitis: Prompt treatment essential for blocked windpipe . Mayo Clinic . Retrieved 27 October 2017, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epiglottitis/.../causes/con-20027854
Wright, P. (2012). Epiglottitis | Health . Patient.info . Retrieved 27 October 2017, from https://patient.info/health/epiglottitis-leaflet
Wyse, T. (2012). Epiglottitis . Healthline . Retrieved 27 October 2017, from https://www.healthline.com/health/epiglottitis#overview 1
