Epiglottitis (patient information): Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 39: Line 39:
*[[Blood culture]] or [[throat culture]] -- may show [[H. influenzae]] or other [[bacteria]]
*[[Blood culture]] or [[throat culture]] -- may show [[H. influenzae]] or other [[bacteria]]
*[[Complete blood count]] ([[CBC]]) -- may show a high number of [[white blood cells]]
*[[Complete blood count]] ([[CBC]]) -- may show a high number of [[white blood cells]]
*[[Neck]] [[x-rays]] -- may show a [[swollen epiglottis]]
*[[Neck]] [[x-rays]] -- may show a [[swollen]] [[epiglottis]]


==When to seek urgent medical care==
==When to seek urgent medical care==

Revision as of 18:36, 4 March 2010

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

WikiDoc Resources for Epiglottitis (patient information)

Articles

Most recent articles on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Most cited articles on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Review articles on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Articles on Epiglottitis (patient information) in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ

Media

Powerpoint slides on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Images of Epiglottitis (patient information)

Photos of Epiglottitis (patient information)

Podcasts & MP3s on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Videos on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Evidence Based Medicine

Cochrane Collaboration on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Bandolier on Epiglottitis (patient information)

TRIP on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Clinical Trials

Ongoing Trials on Epiglottitis (patient information) at Clinical Trials.gov

Trial results on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Clinical Trials on Epiglottitis (patient information) at Google

Guidelines / Policies / Govt

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Epiglottitis (patient information)

NICE Guidance on Epiglottitis (patient information)

NHS PRODIGY Guidance

FDA on Epiglottitis (patient information)

CDC on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Books

Books on Epiglottitis (patient information)

News

Epiglottitis (patient information) in the news

Be alerted to news on Epiglottitis (patient information)

News trends on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Commentary

Blogs on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Definitions

Definitions of Epiglottitis (patient information)

Patient Resources / Community

Patient resources on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Discussion groups on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Patient Handouts on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Directions to Hospitals Treating Epiglottitis (patient information)

Risk calculators and risk factors for Epiglottitis (patient information)

Healthcare Provider Resources

Symptoms of Epiglottitis (patient information)

Causes & Risk Factors for Epiglottitis (patient information)

Diagnostic studies for Epiglottitis (patient information)

Treatment of Epiglottitis (patient information)

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

CME Programs on Epiglottitis (patient information)

International

Epiglottitis (patient information) en Espanol

Epiglottitis (patient information) en Francais

Business

Epiglottitis (patient information) in the Marketplace

Patents on Epiglottitis (patient information)

Experimental / Informatics

List of terms related to Epiglottitis (patient information)

Editor-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer

Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.

What is Epiglottitis?

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the cartilage that covers the trachea (windpipe).

What are the symptoms of Epiglottitis?

Epiglottitis begins with a high fever and sore throat. Other symptoms may include:

What causes Epiglottitis?

Epiglottitis is a life-threatening disease. The epiglottis is a piece of cartilage at the back of the tongue that closes off the windpipe when swallowing. It keeps food from entering the airways, so you don't cough or choke after swallowing.

Epiglottitis is swelling of the epiglottis, which leads to breathing problems. Swelling of the epiglottis is usually caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae), although it may be caused by other bacteria or viruses. Upper respiratory infections can lead to epiglottitis. Medicines or diseases that weaken the immune system can make adults more prone to epiglottitis.

Epiglottitis is most common in children between 2 and 6 years old. Rarely, epiglottitis can occur in adults, and it may be easily overlooked in such patients.

The occurrence of epiglottitis has decreased dramatically in the United States since the H. influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine became a routine childhood immunization in the late 1980s.

Who is at risk for Epiglottitis?

How do I know I have Epiglottitis?

Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical help. Do not use a tongue depressor (tongue blade) to try to examine the throat at home, as this may make the condition worse.

The health care provider will examine the voice box (larynx) using either a small mirror held against the back of the throat or a viewing tube called a laryngoscope. The exam may show a swollen and red epiglottis.

Tests used to diagnose epiglottitis may include:

When to seek urgent medical care

Treatment options

Diseases with similar symptoms

Where to find medical care for Epiglottitis

Directions to Hospitals Treating Epiglottitis

Prevention of Epiglottitis

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)

Possible complications

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000605.htm

Template:SIB Template:WH Template:WS