epiglottitis
Swallowing-lid swells dangerously
Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis, the flap of tissue at the base of the tongue that covers the windpipe during swallowing.
Usually caused by bacterial infection, it can swell rapidly and obstruct breathing—a medical emergency, especially in children.
Symptoms include severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a muffled voice.
Speech-producing throat organ
- pharynxMuscular throat cavity
- tracheaRespiratory airway tube
- vocal cordsSound-producing throat membranes
- airwayPassage for breath
hypopharynx · throat · cartilage · mucosa
Turbulent airway noise
- dysphagiaMedical swallowing difficulty
- droolingSaliva spilling from mouth
- feverElevated body temperature
- sore throatIrritated, aching airway
hoarseness · difficulty breathing · throat pain · rapid onset · restlessness · anxiety · leaning forward
Placing airway tube
- tracheostomySurgically created airway opening
- airway obstructionBlocked respiratory passage
- respiratory failureInadequate lung gas exchange
- ambulanceEmergency medical transport
ICU · 911 · paramedics · emergency room · critical · life-threatening · code blue · triage
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- antibioticsBacteria-destroying medicines
- immunizationProtective medical injection
- sepsisDangerous inflammatory infection response
- cellulitisSubcutaneous bacterial infection
abscess · viral · inflammation · cultures · intravenous · corticosteroids · blood cultures
larynx
Speech-producing throat organ
- pharynxMuscular throat cavity
- tracheaRespiratory airway tube
- vocal cordsSound-producing throat membranes
airway · hypopharynx · throat · cartilage · mucosa
stridor
Turbulent airway noise
- dysphagiaMedical swallowing difficulty
- droolingSaliva spilling from mouth
- feverElevated body temperature
sore throat · hoarseness · difficulty breathing · throat pain · rapid onset · restlessness · anxiety · leaning forward
intubation
Placing airway tube
- tracheostomySurgically created airway opening
- airway obstructionBlocked respiratory passage
- respiratory failureInadequate lung gas exchange
ambulance · ICU · 911 · paramedics · emergency room · critical · life-threatening · code blue · triage · resuscitation
bacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- antibioticsBacteria-destroying medicines
- immunizationProtective medical injection
- sepsisDangerous inflammatory infection response
cellulitis · abscess · viral · inflammation · cultures · intravenous · corticosteroids · blood cultures