Epiglottis Problems

Epiglottis disorders occur when it gets hurt or injured by drinking hot fluids, eating spicy foods, by getting a hard blow in the neck, etc. All these conditions make the epiglottis vulnerable to infection. When infected, epiglottis becomes swollen and red. The condition of inflamed epiglottis is medically termed as epiglottitis and is on of the major epiglottis problems. The present article briefly discusses epiglottitis.

Epiglottitis: Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of epiglottis infection causes a lot of discomfort to you. It generally begins with a rise in the temperature of your body. You may find fever to be accompanied with soreness of the throat. Fever may lead to chills and shaking. You may notice discoloration of your skin or cyanosis. Drooling is another symptom of epiglottitis, which you may experience. There will be some noticeable changes in the quality of your voice. It mostly tends to become hoarse. If this epiglottis problem has taken a serious form, you find difficulty breathing and swallowing.

Epiglottitis: Causes
Epiglottitis is caused by infection. The micro-organisms involved may be bacteria, fungi and virus. Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the bacteria that is commonly found to cause epiglottitis. Candida albicans is an example of causative fungus. Similarly, Varicella zoster and Haemophilus influenza are two common viruses that are observed to be responsible for epiglottitis. There are certain factors that can increase the risk of epiglottis disorders. They include physical trauma like a direct blow to the throat. Scald burns to your face or neck may badly hurt the throat and expose epiglottis to infectious agents. You may get swollen and inflamed epiglottis by drinking very hot fluids. There are a few habits which can not only increase the chances of epiglottitis but may also promote epiglottis cancer occurrence. These are smoking, consumption of drugs such as heroin and cocaine.

Epiglottitis: Diagnosis
Epiglottis malfunction is a medical condition, which needs urgent medical attention. The doctor will examine the voice box or larynx closely. He may use a small mirror that is held against the back of the throat or a viewing tube known as laryngoscope for the examination purpose. In epiglottitis, the epiglottis malfunctions, thereby becoming red and swollen. For confirmation, the doctor may conduct blood culture or throat culture by taking a few cells from your throat. The culture shows the presence of the infection causing microbe. The health care provider may also carry a complete blood count. It will show a high number of white blood cells. Neck X-rays, if done, shows a swollen epiglottis.

Epiglottitis: Treatment
Being a patient of epiglottitis or epiglottis malfunction, you will be given intensive medical care. The medical treatment may include certain methods that can help you breathe. They include intubation (breathing through a tube), and moistened oxygen. You will be administered antibiotics, antifungal, or antiviral drugs to curb the growth of the infectious agent. You will also be prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines like corticosteroids to decrease the swelling of the throat. If need arise, you may be administered fluids through a vein.

Epiglottis problems in children as well as in adults should be taken with utmost concern. You should seek medical attention as soon as you notice the signs and symptoms of epiglottis disorders. Timely medical intervention will effectively restore your healthy state.