What happens if the epiglottis stops working

The first thing the medical team will do is secure the person's airways to make sure they can breathe properly. An oxygen mask will be given to deliver highly concentrated oxygen to the person's lungs. If this does not work, a tube will be placed in the person's mouth and pushed past their epiglottis into the windpipe. The tube will be connected to an oxygen supply.

If there's an urgent need to secure the airways, a small cut may be made in the neck at the front of the windpipe so a tube can be inserted. The tube is then connected to an oxygen supply.

This procedure is called a tracheostomy and it allows oxygen to enter the lungs while bypassing the epiglottis. An emergency tracheostomy can be carried out using local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic. Once the airways have been secured and the person is able to breathe unrestricted, a more comfortable and convenient way of assisting breathing may be found. This is usually achieved by threading a tube through the nose and into the windpipe.

Fluids will be supplied through a drip into a vein until the person is able to swallow. For this reason, a person who has or suspects they may have epiglottitis needs immediate medical attention. The best way to prevent epiglottitis due to Hib is by vaccinating a child against Hib.

The vaccination will protect the child and others in the community. There is no sure way to avoid the flu, but there are many ways to minimize exposure, build up immunity, and reduce the risk of infection. Learn more…. Tonsil stones may be becoming more common as fewer people have their tonsils removed than once did. Tonsil stones are small lumps on the tonsils where….

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Learn more about how to…. What is epiglottitis? Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Why is it serious? Prompt treatment can prevent life-threatening complications. For adults, signs and symptoms may develop more slowly, over days rather than hours.

Signs and symptoms may include:. Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know suddenly has trouble breathing and swallowing, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Try to keep the person quiet and upright, because this position may make it easier to breathe. Don't try to examine the person's throat yourself. This can make matters worse. In the past, a common cause of swelling and inflammation of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues was infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b Hib bacteria.

Hib is responsible for a number of serious conditions, the most common of which is meningitis. Hib is now much less common in developed countries due to Hib immunization in children.

Hib spreads through infected droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. It's possible to harbor Hib in your nose and throat without becoming sick — though you still can spread the bacteria to others. Physical injury, such as a direct blow to the throat, can cause epiglottitis. So can burns from drinking very hot or caustic liquids. Immunization with the Hib vaccine is an effective way to prevent epiglottitis caused by Hib.

It can then infect your epiglottis. The most common strain of bacteria that causes this condition is Haemophilus influenzae type b, also known as Hib. You can catch Hib by inhaling the germs spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or blows their nose.

Other bacterial strains that can cause epiglottitis include Streptococcus A , B , or C and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Streptococcus A is the type of bacteria that can also cause strep throat. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Additionally, viruses such as those that cause shingles and chickenpox , along with those that cause respiratory infections, can also result in epiglottitis.

Fungi, such as those that cause diaper rash or yeast infections, may also contribute to inflammation of the epiglottis. Anyone can develop epiglottitis. However, several factors can increase your risk of developing it. Children younger than 12 months of age are at a higher risk for developing epiglottitis. Overall, the disease commonly occurs in children ages 2 to 6 years.

For adults, being older than 85 years is a risk factor. Children whose parents choose not to vaccinate them with the Hib vaccine are also at increased risk for epiglottitis. The risk of getting epiglottitis is increased in those environments. A weakened immune system can make it more difficult for your body to fight infections.

Poor immune function makes it easier for epiglottitis to develop. Having diabetes has been shown to be a risk factor in adults. The symptoms of epiglottitis are the same regardless of the cause. However, they may differ between children and adults.