Respiratory - Epiglottitis - Midterm Notes PDF

Here is an organized summary of Acute Epiglo-.s from the notes provided. Each component is categorized according to the following criteria: most likely cause, pathophysiology, disease transmission, and risk factors. Acute Epiglo-.s Acute Epiglo=>s is a life-threatening condi>on that occurs when the...

Here is an organized summary of Acute Epiglo-.s from the notes provided. Each component is categorized according to the following criteria: most likely cause, pathophysiology, disease transmission, and risk factors. Acute Epiglo-.s Acute Epiglo=>s is a life-threatening condi>on that occurs when the epiglo-s (a flap of.ssue) swells and blocks airflow to the lungs. It is considered a medical emergency due to the risk of airway obstruc.on. 1. Most Likely Cause Causa.ve Micro-organism: o The primary causa>ve microorganism for acute epiglo-.s is Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)【106:2†source】. o Other possible causa>ve organisms include: § Streptococcus pneumoniae § Fungal infec.ons in immunocompromised individuals【106:2†source】. o Note: Widespread vaccina>on against Hib has significantly reduced the incidence of acute epiglo=>s caused by this bacterium. 2. Pathophysiology The pathophysiology of acute epiglo=>s follows a cascade of inflamma.on, edema, and airway obstruc.on, as outlined below: 1. Infec.on and Inflamma.on: o The infec>on, most commonly caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), triggers an immune response in the epiglo=s【106:2†source】. o This immune response leads to local inflamma.on of the epiglo=s, arytenoids, and surrounding >ssues in the upper airway. 2. Edema and Swelling: o The inflamed >ssues become edematous, causing the epiglo=s to enlarge and obstruct the airway. o The swelling can progress rapidly, some>mes within hours, increasing the risk of complete airway obstruc.on. 3. Airway Obstruc.on: o As the epiglo=s enlarges, it obstructs the glo-s (opening of the trachea) and can cause stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound) due to turbulent airflow【 106:2†source】. o In severe cases, the airway is completely blocked, leading to respiratory distress, hypoxia, and death if not treated immediately. 3. Disease Transmission Transmission:  o Acute epiglo=>s caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is transmiQed via respiratory droplets (e.g., sneezing or coughing from an infected person)【 106:2†source】. o The risk of transmission is higher in unvaccinated children, as Hib is a preventable disease through vaccina>on. o Person-to-person spread is possible but less likely in adults, who are less suscep>ble due to prior exposure or vaccina>on. 4. Risk Factors The following risk factors are associated with the development of acute epiglo=>s: Age-Related Risk Factors Children aged 2-7 years are most affected because their airways are smaller and more prone to obstruc>on【106:2†source】. However, in the post-vaccina>on era, cases are now more frequently seen in unvaccinated children and immunocompromised adults【106:2†source】. Immuniza.on Status Lack of Hib vaccina.on: Vaccina>on against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) has significantly reduced the incidence of acute epiglo=>s in children【106:2†source】. Children who are unvaccinated or have incomplete vaccina>on schedules are at a higher risk of infec>on【106:2†source】. Immunosuppression Weakened immune system: People with HIV/AIDS, undergoing chemotherapy, or taking immunosuppressive drugs are at higher risk of developing epiglo=>s from bacterial or fungal infec>ons【106:2†source】. Exposure to Infec.ous Carriers Close contact with someone infected with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) increases the risk of transmission【106:2†source】. Summary Table Criteria Acute Epiglo-.s Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (most common). Other causes: Most Likely Streptococcus pneumoniae and fungal infec.ons in immunocompromised Cause pa>ents【106:2†source】. 1. Infec.on and Inflamma.on → 2. Tissue Edema → 3. Airway Obstruc.on. Pathophysiology Swelling of the epiglo=s blocks airflow, leading to stridor, dyspnea, and possible respiratory failure【106:2†source】. Respiratory droplets from infected individuals. Most common in Transmission unvaccinated children【106:2†source】. Age (2-7 years), Unvaccinated status, Immunosuppression, and Exposure to Risk Factors infected persons【106:2†source】. If you'd like more details on any of these aspects of acute epiglo-.s, please let me know.