Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is a serious condition that can affect children and adults. In children, epiglottitis can be life-threatening and usually manifests between 2 and 6 years. In adults, it is more likely to affect men than women. Earlier there were more number of pediatric epiglottitis cases. But with the introduction of the HIB vaccine, cases of children being affected by this condition has reduced. This condition occurs when the flap of cartillage found at the back of the tongue (epiglottis) swells can causes respiratory distress. The epiglottis serves to keep food from going into the trachea while swallowing. An inflamed epiglottis can result in swallowing problems and difficulty in breathing. The patient suffers fever and chills and may develop a bluish skin coloring (cyanosis). If the airways become totally obstructed, it can be fatal. Sore throat, difficulty in speaking and difficulty in swallowing and breathing are typical symptoms of epiglottitis that occur within a few hours. Persons affected by this condition tend to lean forward to breathe and appear restless.

Epiglottitis is believed to be caused by vrirus such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, varicella-zoster, herpes simplex virus type 1 and Staphylococcus aureus. Any damage to the epiglottis can also cause this condition. While mild cases of epiglottitis manifest as sore throat and pain while swallowing, acute cases can suffer severe respiratory distress or even a respiratory arrest. Physical examination and study of medical history is the first step towards diagnosing epiglottitis. X-ray of the neck and blood tests are also conducted. If there is severe discomfort and labored breathing, hospitalization may be necessary. Humified oxygen helps alleviate some of the distress while intravenous fluids keep the patient well hydrated. Antibiotics and corticosteroids are used to treat the condition. Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are adminstered to treat the infection.

Oral thrush

Fungal Throat Infection is also referred to as oral thrush. It is an infection caused by the yeast fungus Candida albicans. In most people, the presence of Candida in the oral cavity is not uncommon. It is only when there is a change the favors the growth of candida that a fungal throat infection develops. Conditions such as diabetes, AIDS and malnutrition can trigger this change.

Persons suffering from oral thrush will notice whitish spots in the mouth. There may be burning or bleeding. It can lead to fungal infection of the throat and consequently nausea and difficulty in swallowing. A throat culture helps in identifying the micro organisms that cause the infection in the throat. It could reveal epiglottis, strep throat, pharyngitis or diptheria. Antifungal drugs such as nystatin, amphotericin or miconazole are used to treat oral thrush.