What is it about ?
Epiglottitis and supraglottitis are inflammations of part of the respiratory tract (the larynx). The cause is bacterial.
The larynx is the link between the pharynx and the trachea. The larynx houses the vocal cords. Above the vocal cords is the epiglottis; it is a small valve that allows us not to swallow askew. Epiglottitis is therefore the inflammation of this valve. In contrast, supraglottitis is an inflammation of the part located just above the vocal cords.
Usually the inflammation starts from a simple sore throat. In some cases, the bacteria are also found in the bloodstream (sepsis). The disease can therefore develop poorly and even be potentially fatal.
What is its frequency?
Worldwide, inflammation occurs in 1 to 3 adults per 100,000. As each general practitioner sees an average of 2 cases of angina per week, it is a very rare disease.
In the past, epiglottitis in children was almost always caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria. Since vaccination has become widespread, it is now rare in children.
How to recognize them?
The signs of epiglottitis and supraglottitis are similar.
The inflammation begins with a rapid flare of fever, sore throat, and pain when swallowing. In most cases, the symptoms go away on their own.
The course is more serious in a very small number of cases. The sore throat gets worse and sometimes to such an extent that the person cannot speak clearly, swallow and saliva leaks out of their mouth. We observe a shortness of breath, with wheezing and noisy, because of the swelling that prevents air from circulating.
If the bacteria get into the blood (sepsis), the general condition also deteriorates rapidly.
How is the diagnosis made ?
The diagnosis is made on the basis of signs of the disease; there is therefore no need for additional examinations.
What can you do ?
Standing up straight and leaning forward can provide relief. In the meantime, notify the doctor urgently. If he cannot be reached, go to the hospital emergency room.
What can your doctor do?
Treatment is still followed in the hospital and consists of administering oxygen through a mask and antibiotics as an infusion.
In extremely severe cases, intubation is required. This is a procedure that helps breathing by inserting a small tube into the throat. If this intervention fails, a tracheostomy should be performed. In this case, we create a small opening in the larynx to insert a cannula (a small curved tube).
Want to know more?
- Haemophilus influenzae type b infections – Vaccination-Info.be
- For the vaccine, I hesitate … Is it serious doctor? – Health question
- Tracheostomy explained to children – Plaster
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