Epiglottis

The epiglottis is the flap of cartilage underlying behind the tongue and in front of the entrance to the larynx (voice box). The epiglottis is usually incorruptible at rest allowing air to pass into the larynx and lungs. Without your epiglottis, you would cough or choke every time you eat. It is commonly pointed upward, but when swallowing, solids or liquids stimulate sensors that fold down the epiglottis, and prevent food that should go into the esophagus and stomach from passing into the trachea (windpipe).

When a person ingests the epiglottis folds backward to cover the entrance of the larynx so food and liquid do not enter the windpipe and lungs. The larynx draws upward and forward to close the windpipe. Epiglottitis in the very young (younger than 1 year) is occasional and occurs in only about 4% of cases. This keeps solid food and liquid out of the respiratory tract. At the end of each swallow, the epiglottis moves up again, the larynx requites to rest, and the flow of air into the windpipe continues.

Causes of Epiglottis

The common Causes of Epiglottis :

• Varicella zoster, the virus accountable for chickenpox and shingles.
• Streptococcus A, B and C, a group of bacteria which cause diseases varying from strep throat to blood infections.
• The bacterial infection which causes epiglottitis is infectious.
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), the most common cause of meningitis.

Symptoms of Epiglottis

Some Symptoms of Epiglottis :

• Blue skin or lips.
• Chills.
• Fever.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Sever sore throat.
• Systemic toxicity.
• Drooling.
• Difficult and painful swallowing.
• A muffled voice.

Treatment of Epiglottis

• Antibiotics to treat the infection.
• Administration of humidified oxygen. Oxygen will help the patient breathe.
• Corticosteroids to decrease the swelling of the throat.
• Intravenous fluids. Intravenous fluids are given to increase hydration.