Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary causative microorganism for acute epiglottitis?
What is the primary causative microorganism for acute epiglottitis?
What is the first step in the pathophysiology of acute epiglottitis?
What is the first step in the pathophysiology of acute epiglottitis?
Which of the following accurately describes the result of edema in acute epiglottitis?
Which of the following accurately describes the result of edema in acute epiglottitis?
How is acute epiglottitis primarily transmitted?
How is acute epiglottitis primarily transmitted?
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Which population is at the highest risk of transmission of Haemophilus influenzae type b?
Which population is at the highest risk of transmission of Haemophilus influenzae type b?
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What can happen if acute epiglottitis is not treated immediately?
What can happen if acute epiglottitis is not treated immediately?
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Which of the following is NOT a possible organism responsible for acute epiglottitis?
Which of the following is NOT a possible organism responsible for acute epiglottitis?
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What is a potential outcome of airway obstruction caused by acute epiglottitis?
What is a potential outcome of airway obstruction caused by acute epiglottitis?
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What is the primary reason children aged 2-7 years are more affected by acute epiglottitis?
What is the primary reason children aged 2-7 years are more affected by acute epiglottitis?
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Which factor significantly reduces the incidence of acute epiglottitis in children?
Which factor significantly reduces the incidence of acute epiglottitis in children?
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Which of the following groups is at the highest risk for developing acute epiglottitis due to immunosuppression?
Which of the following groups is at the highest risk for developing acute epiglottitis due to immunosuppression?
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What is the most common infectious agent associated with acute epiglottitis?
What is the most common infectious agent associated with acute epiglottitis?
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How does acute epiglottitis primarily affect airflow in patients?
How does acute epiglottitis primarily affect airflow in patients?
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Which option is considered a risk factor for acute epiglottitis in adults?
Which option is considered a risk factor for acute epiglottitis in adults?
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Which of the following causes of acute epiglottitis is specifically noted for immunocompromised patients?
Which of the following causes of acute epiglottitis is specifically noted for immunocompromised patients?
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What symptom is commonly associated with the airway obstruction caused by acute epiglottitis?
What symptom is commonly associated with the airway obstruction caused by acute epiglottitis?
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Study Notes
Acute Epiglottitis
- A life-threatening condition where the epiglottis swells, blocking airflow to the lungs.
- A medical emergency.
Most Likely Cause
- The primary cause is Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
- Other possible causes include Streptococcus pneumoniae and fungal infections in immune-compromised individuals.
- Widespread vaccination against Hib significantly reduced the incidence of acute epiglottitis caused by this bacterium.
Pathophysiology
- Infection triggers an immune response in the epiglottis, leading to inflammation.
- Inflammation causes edema (swelling) in the epiglottis, arytenoids, and surrounding tissues.
- The swelling rapidly obstructs the airway.
- Obstruction can lead to stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound).
- Severe cases cause complete airway blockage leading to respiratory distress, hypoxia, and potentially death if not treated immediately.
Disease Transmission
- Spread through respiratory droplets (e.g., from sneezing or coughing of an infected person).
- The risk of transmission is higher in unvaccinated children.
Risk Factors
- Age: Children aged 2-7 years are most affected due to smaller, more susceptible airways.
- Lack of Hib Vaccination: Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children are at a higher risk of infection.
- Immunocompromised individuals: People with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV/AIDS, undergoing chemotherapy).
- Exposure to Infectious Carriers: Close contact with someone infected with Hib increases the risk.
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Description
Explore the critical aspects of acute epiglottitis, including its causes, pathophysiology, and the urgency of treatment. This quiz addresses the importance of understanding this life-threatening condition and its transmission. Test your knowledge of this medical emergency.
