Throat pain may be a symptom of life

This is the 4822nd article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

Recently, it is an acute epiglottitis attack. It often masquerades as pharyngitis or tonsillitis. This initial symptom is very common and not easy to be taken seriously. However, the course of the disease develops rapidly and the consequences are serious. It may cause suffocation in just a few minutes.

1. What is the epiglottis? What role does it play in our body?

The epiglottis is a piece of cartilage in the throat, covered with mucous membrane and connected to the root of the tongue. When we speak or breathe, the epiglottis moves upward to open the throat; but when we eat, the epiglottis moves downward to cover the trachea, preventing food or water from entering the trachea and allowing food to enter the esophagus smoothly.

2. What is acute epiglottitis?

Acute epiglottitis, also known as acute supraglottic laryngitis or pre-epiglottic pharyngitis, is an acute nonspecific inflammation involving the laryngeal mucosa in the supraglottic region of the larynx, which is induced by bacterial infection, viral infection, allergens, external trauma to the larynx, or inhalation of high fever, harmful gases, etc. It is characterized by severe edema of the epiglottis, which makes it impossible to open and close normally. When it is severely edematous, it will block the entrance of the trachea and cause suffocation. It is one of the critical and severe diseases in the Department of Otolaryngology.

3. What are the main symptoms of acute epiglottitis?

During an attack, acute severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, throat obstruction, and breathing difficulties may occur. Acute epiglottitis progresses rapidly, and most patients can recover with timely treatment. A few patients have a serious condition and suffocate quickly, with a high mortality rate.

4. What examinations are needed for acute epiglottitis?

Generally speaking, indirect laryngoscope, electronic or fiber laryngoscope can observe the laryngeal structure, and doctors can determine whether the epiglottis is congested or edematous by observation. Secondly, routine blood tests are also necessary, which can help clarify the severity of the disease and guide medication.

5. How to prevent acute epiglottitis?

1. Exercise properly

To prevent the occurrence of acute epiglottitis, you should exercise more often and maintain a certain amount of exercise every week to enhance the body's immunity and resistance.

2. Lifestyle

Maintain oral hygiene, quit smoking and drinking, and eat less spicy and irritating foods.

3. Early intervention for high-risk groups

Children can be given the Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine to prevent infection from this pathogen.

For acute inflammation of the organs adjacent to the epiglottis, timely treatment is required to prevent the spread of infection; oral hygiene must be maintained, and no matter adults or children, if you experience: acute and severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, a feeling of throat obstruction, or any degree of breathing difficulty, you must go to the hospital as soon as possible!

The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University

Author: Zhang Qiong, head nurse of the emergency department

Supervisor: Pei Honghong, Chief Physician of Emergency Department