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. In the United States, children usually receive the vaccine in three or four doses:.
The Hib vaccine is generally not given to children older than age 5 or to adults because they're less likely to develop Hib infection.
But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine for older children and adults whose immune systems have been weakened by:. Of course, the Hib vaccine doesn't offer guarantees. Vaccinated children have been known to develop epiglottitis — and other germs can cause epiglottitis, too.
That's where commonsense precautions come in:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.
This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Throat anatomy Open pop-up dialog box Close. Throat anatomy The throat includes the esophagus, windpipe trachea , voice box larynx , tonsils and epiglottis. It's important to keep them calm and to try not to cause panic or distress. Epiglottitis can be fatal if the throat becomes completely blocked. But most people make a full recovery with appropriate treatment. Epiglottitis is treated in hospital.
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.
This can lead to bluish discoloration of your skin due to lack of oxygen. This is a critical condition and requires immediate medical attention.
If you suspect epiglottitis, seek medical attention immediately. Due to the seriousness of this condition, you may receive a diagnosis in an emergency care setting simply by physical observations and a medical history. If your doctor thinks you have epiglottitis, the first treatments typically involve monitoring your oxygen levels with a pulse oximetry device and protecting your airway.
In severe cases, you may need a tracheostomy or cricothyroidotomy. A tracheostomy is a minor surgical procedure where a small incision is made between the tracheal rings. Then a breathing tube is placed directly through your neck and into your windpipe, bypassing your epiglottis. This allows exchange of oxygen and prevents respiratory failure. Children should receive two to three doses of the Hib vaccine starting at 2 months of age.
Typically, children receive a dose when they are 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months old. Your child will likely also receive a booster between 12 and 15 months old. Wash your hands frequently or use alcohol sanitizer to prevent the spread of germs. Avoid drinking from the same cup as other people and sharing food or utensils. Maintain good immune health by eating a healthy array of foods , avoiding smoking , getting adequate rest, and properly managing all chronic medical conditions.
Learn what causes that piece of flesh over your tongue in the back of your mouth to swell and how you can stop it. Swallowing difficulty is the inability to swallow foods or liquids with ease. People who have a hard time swallowing may choke on their food or liquid…. An acute upper airway obstruction is a blockage that suddenly occurs in your upper airway — the part of your respiratory system that consists of the…. To maximize your chance of a good outcome, work closely with all the members of your healthcare team to properly treat your condition.
Health Home Treatments, Tests and Therapies. Why might I need closure of the larynx exercises? Different conditions can lead to swallowing problems. How do I get ready for closure of the larynx exercises? Your SLP can tell you if there is anything else you need to do before starting. What happens during closure of the larynx exercises? As an example, you may be asked to perform the following exercises: Take a deep breath and hold it. Keep holding your breath while you swallow.
Immediately after swallowing, cough. This is called the supraglottic swallow. Repeat a few times. Inhale and hold your breath very tightly.
Bear down like you are having a bowel movement. Keep holding your breath and bearing down as you swallow. This is called a super-supraglottic swallow. There is no need to use food or liquid with either of these exercises. This exercise should be done with caution and patients with uncontrolled blood pressure should not do this exercise as bearing down can increase blood pressure.
Take a breath. Keep holding your breath as you bear down. Hold for a few seconds and then relax. Hold your breath tightly. Place both hands under your chair. Pull as if you are trying to lift up your chair with you in it.
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