EPIGLOTTITIS

Is the inflammation of the epiglottis. Explanation: Epiglottitis is caused by the

It also occurs rarely, inflammation of the
epiglottis creates an emergency situation
because the swollen epiglottis is unable to
rise and allow the airway to open. It occurs
most frequently in children from 2 to about
7 years of age.
It can be either bacterial or viral in
origin. H. INFLUENZAE type B has been
replaced as the most common bacterial
cause of the disorder by pneumococci,
streptococci, or staphylococci. Echovirus
and respiratory syncytia virus also can cause
the disorder.
BACTERIAL INFECTION and the most
common type is Heomophiluz INFLUENZA
type B. the bacteria can trigger the reaction
in epiglottis causing by PAIN, SWELLING,
REDDNESS, INFLAMMATION, OR EDEMA. It
caused severe a rapid progression of
infection in the upper respiratory and it
may result in the AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION
may lead to SEVERE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS
like ASPHYXIA OR RESPIRATORY AREST
LABORATORY AND DIAGNOSIS
EXAM

PREDISPOSING FACTORS  Laryngoscopy – a small camera at

the end of a flexible tube, is done to
 AGE examine the throat.
 SEX / GENDER  Blood test – check the WBC count
 ENVIRONMENT and to find any bacteria or viruses in
 WEAK IMMUNE SYSTEM the blood.
 Xray or Computed tomography scan
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY – used to determine the level of
swelling and to see if there is a
EPIGLOTTITIS
foreign object in the airway.

Bacterial Infection
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
INCLUDE DRUG THERAPY
H. Influenza type B
 MANAGEMENT
- Restore the airways to full capacity.
- Place an oxygen mask that will be
Airway obstruction used to deliver air to the lungs.
- Fluid levels are kept up through an
intravenous drip.
Respiratory distress

1
 EPIGLOTTITIS

- Provide prophylactic tracheostomy

or endotracheal intubation care to  Educate what are the difference
prevent total obstruction. between the two diseases.

 Advice the parents that they need

 DRUG THERAPY time to regain confidence in
- Administer IV Fluid drug if unable to themselves as parents and in their
ability to judge a child’s health again.
swallow to maintain hydration.
- Antibiotic such as second-
generation cephalosprin like
cefuroxime may be ordered until a
throat culture indicates specific
drug.
- Anti-inflammatory such as
corticosteroids to reduce the
swelling in the throat.

NURSING MANAGEMENT
 Diagnosis : INEFFECTIVE AIRWAY
CLEARANCE RELATED TO
EPIGLOTTAL INFLAMMATION AS
EVIDENCED BY DIFFICULTY
SWALLOWING
 Outcome Identification : CHILD
WILL DEMONSTRATE ADEQUATE
AIRWAY CLEARANCE BY 1 HOUR
 Outcome Evaluation : CHILD HAS
ABLE TO SWALLOW, NO DROOLS
SALIVA AND THE INFLAMMATION
TO THE EPIGLOTTIS WAS CURED.

HEALTH TEACHING / ADVICE

 Educate the parents on why a
prophylactic tracheostomy was
necessary given when was not used
when the child had croup.