Epiglottitis – Causes and Prevention
If not treated at the right time, epiglottitis could be fatal. This disease is characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, which is a small cartilage flap that covers the windpipe when we swallow food, preventing the food from entering the windpipe or trachea. Epiglottitis is a medical emergency that usually affects children.
Causes of epiglottitis
Epiglottitis can develop from several factors. Overwhelming majority of epiglottitis cases develop from infection of the epiglottis. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria are associated with most bacterial infections of the epiglottis and its adjacent tissues. This same bacterium is responsible for causing meningitis and respiratory infections. They spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. The bacteria present in the mucus and saliva of a person suffering from Hib infection could enter you body through the nose or throat. Often people carrying the Hib bacteria do not experience any symptom of the infection, but they are capable of spreading the infection to others.
Other than the Hib bacteria, several other strains of bacteria, virus and fungi could cause epiglottitis. Different strains of bacteria responsible for causing meningitis, sepsis, ear infection, pneumonia and strep throat could also cause epiglottitis. The chicken pox and shingles virus could also cause this disease. Candida yeast, which causes oral thrush, vaginal infection and diaper rash, is sometimes responsible for epiglottitis.
Besides infection, epiglottitis could develop from injury to the epiglottis. You can injure your epiglottis by drinking hot fluids, swallowing a hard object or by smoking illegal drugs. Rarely, allergic reaction caused by eating buffalo fish can cause epiglottitis.
Epiglottitis prevention
Children between two and six years of age are most vulnerable to this disease. Majority of epiglottitis sufferers are male. Vaccination is available to prevent this harmful condition. Hib vaccination is given to children in four doses, starting at 2 months of age. Although, the Hib vaccine is not given to adults or children above 5 years of age, this vaccine could be given to individuals suffering from diseases that suppress their immune response. Adults suffering from HIV infection, sickle cell anemia or people undergoing chemotherapy are given the Hib vaccine.
