How is epiglottitis treated and what is the first aid?

A child with epiglottitis belongs to the hospital - to the intensive care unit.

In most cases, intubation is required. During intubation, a cannula is inserted that is 1 millimeter narrower than in other situations. Intubates during respiration.

In case of its failure, securing the airways by another method. An example is a coniotomy or coniopuncture, which is an urgent procedure to secure the airways.

Pharmacological treatment involves the administration of antibiotics (cephalosporins of the 3rd generation). Because the disease is caused by bacteria. Medicines to relieve pain and reduce fever (medicines with a combined analgesic and antipyretic effect) are given.

Complement the medicines of the analgosedatív (midazolam, tramadol, phenobarbital). Adding corticosteroids, which have an effect on the swelling and inflammation (not all their literature states as indicated in the first phase of professional treatment). It administered parenteral nutrition.

On the positive side, there is a good prognosis with rapid detection and timely and adequate treatment. On the contrary, there is a high risk of suffocation if treatment is delayed or neglected.

Prevention is necessary

Mandatory vaccination against hemophilic infections serves as prevention. More information on vaccination can be found on the website of the Public Health Office of the Slovak Republic. Plus vaccination calendar for 2018.

Following the introduction of this compulsory vaccination, the incidence of diseases caused by haemophilic infections has decreased.

And what about first aid?

As with laryngitis, certain principles are important in epiglottitis.

In case of difficulties it is necessary:

sitting position
PROHIBITION - lying positions
a small child has a parent on his hands
reassure the child so that he does not become exhausted
peace of the parent and the surroundings
call 155 - own transport is not recommended
cold neck compresses - moistened towel, diaper in cold water - Priessnitz wrap
nothing in your mouth

View full article about the disease

Bc. Lukáš Tóth

Healthcare worker

The secondary medical school in Nitra gave me the basis for my career in the field of health and diseases. Thanks to it, I worked for 2 years in the traumatology clinic and outpatient clinic at the Nitra Hospital. Since 2006 I was employed in the emergency medical service, where I stayed until 2017. I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra in the field of emergency health care. The bachelor's degree allowed me to continue my mission as a paramedic. In the meantime, I got a job at the emergency line 155. I have been working in pre-hospital health care until today. I had an interest in people, health and even diseases in my childhood, which gave me the prerequisite to pursue this topic in adulthood. Studying and acquiring new information in practice provided me with a great basis for writing professional texts, in the form of articles that can be understood by ordinary people. Thus, my interest in the Health Portal has a solid foundation in years of practice and personal interest. Similarly, I am also interested in healthy eating, nutrition and overall healthy lifestyle. I fill my free time with family and sports.

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