Epiglottis - Digestive System Digestive System Home > Respiratory System > Respiratory System of the Head and Neck > Epiglottis Epiglottis The epiglottis is a flexible flap at the superior end of the larynx in the throat. It acts as a switch between the larynx and the esophagus to permit air to enter the airway to the lungs and food to pass into the gastrointestinal tract. The epiglottis also protects the body from choking on food that would normally obstruct the airway. The epiglottis is a thin, leaf-shaped structure at the superior border of the larynx, or voice box. In its relaxed position, the epiglottis projects into the pharynx, or throat, and rests just posterior to the tongue. Viewed from the posterior direction, it is shaped like a teardrop with a wide, rounded region at the superior end and a narrow tapered point at its inferior end....

Move up/down/left/right: Click compass arrows Rotate image: Click and drag in any direction, anywhere in the frame Identify objects: Click on them in the image 2D Interactive 3D Rotate & Zoom Change Anatomical System Change View Angle Full Epiglottis Description [Continued from above] . . . The epiglottis is also concave with the lateral edges pointing posteriorly. Two tiny ligaments - the thyroepiglottic and hyoepiglottic ligaments - hold the epiglottis in its resting position in the throat. The thin thyroepiglottic ligament connects the inferior point of the epiglottis to the thyroid cartilage of the larynx, while the hyoepiglottic ligament connects the anterior surface of the superior region to the hyoid bone. The epiglottis is made of elastic cartilage covered with mucous membrane. Its anterior surface consists of nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium that is consistent with the tissues of the mouth and pharynx.

On the posterior surface, it is covered with pseudostratified columnar epithelium that is consistent with the tissues lining the larynx. Under the epithelial layer is a thin layer of areolar connective tissue that provides a loose attachment for the epithelium and supplies it with blood vessels and nerve fibers. The deepest and thickest layer of the epiglottis is the elastic cartilage layer, which consists of a gel-like matrix and many elastin protein fibers. Elastic cartilage gives the epiglottis a firm, yet extremely flexible and elastic structure. Throughout each day, the epiglottis spends the vast majority of its time relaxed at the superior edge of the larynx just posterior to the tongue. In this position, air is able to enter the pharynx from the nose or mouth and pass freely into the larynx and onward to the lungs. It is only when we swallow food or drink that the epiglottis moves and performs its vital function. The process of swallowing is a complex process involving many structures in the head and neck.

During this process, the pharynx, hyoid and larynx are pulled superiorly to allow the pharynx to widen and receive the material being swallowed. The movement of the hyoid allows the wide superior portion of the epiglottis to fold down on top of the glottis of the larynx, covering the opening of the airway. Food entering the pharynx passes over the anterior surface of the epiglottis, which forms the roof of the glottis; the food continues into the esophagus located just posterior to the pharynx. Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor Anatomy and Physiology: The Pharynx and Epiglottis Anatomy and Physiology: The Pharynx and Epiglottis Tweet Once upon a time, I almost died. I was two years old and at my grandmother’s house, where my cousins were having a blast trying to find the plastic Easter eggs my grandmother had hid. You see, inside the eggs were quarters, dimes, and nickels. And, if you were lucky, you would stumble upon big plastic eggs, which had dollar bills inside them. But, being two, I wasn't really able to participate.

That didn't stop me, though. I stumbled around on my stubby legs and happened upon a plastic egg, inside which were a quarter and a nickel. Naturally, I scooped out the change and shoved them in my mouth. The next few minutes were kind of chaotic, what with me choking and turning blue, slipping slowly into unconsciousness, while my grandmother screamed at the 9-1-1 operator to make the ambulance drive faster and my mother tried to perform the Heimlich on my little body to no avail. They realized with horror that the ambulance wasn’t going to make it in time. My dad—thinking fast, or not at all—pried my mouth open and stuck his fingers down my throat. Pretty far, according to my mother. He managed to drag the coins up out of my throat and out of my mouth, which was incredibly lucky, as he had a much better chance of pushing them down even further and sealing my fate. The paramedics arrived some minutes later and declared me A-OK. That day left me with a cool story to tell 27 years later and my parents with a healthy fear of coin currency. Why did I tell you this story?

Because this is a great example of the pharyngeal reflex, or gag reflex, which your body employs to prevent unwanted things (such as coins) from entering the lungs. The digestive system and upper respiratory system share many of the same structures, so to make sure everything goes where it’s supposed to, the body has certain vanguards in place. Let’s take a look at them! Oral Cavity We’re all pretty familiar with this structure. The oral cavity is the inside of the mouth, an oval-shaped cavity located anteriorly to the pharynx at the start of the alimentary canal. The front of the cavity is bound by the inner surface of the lips and cheeks to the gingiva (gums) and teeth. The cavity floor is defined mostly by the tongue and the roof is formed by the hard and soft palates. Food is masticated (chewed) in this cavity by the teeth and tongue, mixed with saliva containing enzymes to help break down carbohydrates. The mass created by this process is called a bolus, which is then swallowed. The oral cavity is also an airway for the respiratory system.

Pharynx The pharynx is a large musculomembranous tube that functions in both the respiratory system and the digestive system. It is made up of three sections: 1. Nasopharynx This portion of the pharynx begins at the back of the nasal cavity, situated behind the nose and above the soft palate. Unlike the other two portions of the pharynx, the nasopharynx remains open all the time. On each lateral wall is the pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian (auditory) tube. The nasopharynx functions as an airway in the respiratory system. Also contained within the nasopharynx are the adenoids, or pharyngeal tonsils. 2. Oropharynx The oropharynx is the middle portion of the pharynx, working with both the respiratory and digestive systems. It opens anteriorly in the mouth and extends from the soft palate to the hyoid. In each lateral wall is a palatine tonsil; also in this region are the sublingual tonsils, which are under the tongue. The oropharynx functions as an airway and as part of the alimentary canal. 3.

Laryngopharynx This is where my near-death experience could have gone either way. The laryngopharynx is the posteriormost inferior region of the pharynx, reaching from the hyoid to the lower border of the cricoid cartilage; it’s the place where the respiratory and digestive systems diverge. The rear of the laryngopharynx becomes the esophagus and continues into the digestive tract, while the front of the laryngopharynx merges with the entrance of the larynx. The epiglottis, a structure in the laryngeal skeleton, helps direct food toward the esophagus, preventing food and liquids (and coins) from entering the trachea. Epiglottis I have a love/hate relationship with the epiglottis. On the one hand, I think its function in the respiratory system is fascinating, and I have it to thank for trying to keep the coins from entering my lungs; on the other, I loathe it for all the extra work it made me do in my college linguistics course. If I hear the words “glottal stop” ever again, I will not be responsible for my actions.

The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped cartilaginous structure that is part of the laryngeal skeleton. It’s usually directed upward toward the pharynx, like an open door through which air passes to the trachea . During swallowing, muscles pull it down to close the entry to the larynx—closing the door, so to speak—to prevent food, liquid, and saliva (and coins) from entering the trachea. Now apply that principle to the stoppage of air. The epiglottis is pulled down to stop air from entering the trachea. For example, you tend to create glottal stops in words that end in t+vowel+n. The word “button” sounds like “butt-n” when spoken—you don’t tend to vocalize the vowel. The vocal cords close sharply, the epiglottis comes down, and no air is passed. Also, if you’ve ever swallowed the wrong way, you’ve experienced that quick panic and awful seizing in your chest. This is the pharyngeal reflex, or gag reflex, acting to expel whatever you swallowed before it can enter the lungs.

Sometimes the reflex is very sensitive, and even accidentally pushing your toothbrush too far can set it off! Your body very much doesn’t want you to asphyxiate; I wish two-year-old me had received that memo. Sorry to bother you with this, but, as a musician, singer, and dance caller, I would very much appreciate seeing / reading about how the voice works -- glottal stops, fricatives, nasal stops, and all. Thanks Wânia Regina Lima I teach at a university, and I teach in the course of speech therapy. Would you like to receive images and related chewing, sucking, swallowing and phonation videos. I keep getting emails from their site and I like the material. I thank Wania Lima Adeeba Hey Ms. Regina, I am a first year student of speech therapy in India. Could you send me any videos, images or articles related to Speech? I would appreciate you help. Thank you Epiglottitis: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis What Is Epiglottitis? Epiglottitis is characterized by inflamed tissue in your epiglottis. It’s a potentially life-threatening illness. The epiglottis is at the base of the tongue.

It’s made up of mostly cartilage. It helps prevent food from entering your windpipe. The tissue that makes up the epiglottis can swell and block your airway. This requires immediate medical attention. If you think that you or your child has epiglottitis, call 911 or seek emergency medical help immediately. Epiglottitis is relatively uncommon, especially in adults. However, it requires prompt diagnosis and treatment in children, who are the most susceptible. Haemophilus influenzae type b is the bacterium that’s the most responsible for this type of tissue inflammation. Vaccines, such as the Hib vaccine, help protect your child from contracting this bacteria. What Causes Epiglottitis? A bacterial infection is the most common cause of epiglottitis. Bacteria can enter your body when you breathe in. They can then infect your epiglottis. The most common strain of bacteria that causes this condition is Haemophilus influenzae type b, also known as Hib. You can catch Hib by inhaling the germs spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or blows their nose.

Other bacterial strains that can cause epiglottitis include Streptococcus A, B, or C and Streptococcus pneumoniae. These are the same bacteria that cause strep throat. Additionally, viruses such as those that cause shingles and chicken pox can also cause epiglottitis. Fungi, such as those that cause diaper rash or yeast infections, may also contribute to inflammation of the epiglottis. Other causes of this condition include: smoking crack cocaine burning your throat from drinking hot beverages throat injury from trauma, such as a stabbing or gunshot wound Who Is at Risk for Epiglottitis? Anyone can develop epiglottitis. However, there are several factors that can increase your risk of developing it. Age Children younger than 2 months of age are at a higher risk for developing epiglottitis. This is because these children haven’t yet received a Hib vaccine. Additionally, children ranging from 3 to 7 years of age who live in countries not offering vaccines or where the vaccine is hard to come by are at increased risk. Children whose parents purposely refrain from vaccinating with the Hib vaccine are also at increased risk for epiglottitis.

Sex Males are more likely to develop epiglottitis than females. The reason for this is unclear. Environment If you live or work with a large number of people, you’re more likely to catch the germs of others and develop an infection. Likewise, heavily populated environments such as schools or day care centers may increase your or your child’s exposure to bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The risk of getting epiglottitis is increased in those environments. Weak Immune System A weakened immune system can make it more difficult for your body to fight germs. Poor immune function makes it easier for epiglottitis to develop. What Are the Symptoms of Epiglottitis? The signs of epiglottitis are the same regardless of the cause. However, signs may differ between children and adults. Children can develop epiglottitis within a matter of hours. In adults, it develops more slowly, usually over the course of days.

The symptoms of epiglottitis that are common in children include: an upper respiratory infection lessened symptoms when leaning forward or sitting upright a scratchy and sore throat a hoarse voice Symptoms common in adults include: difficulty breathing a raspy or muffled voice harsh, noisy breathing a severe sore throat an inability to catch your breath An adult or child may have bluish discoloration on their skin from lack of oxygen after the airway becomes blocked. If epiglottitis is untreated, it can block your airway completely. This is a critical condition and requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect epiglottitis, seek medical attention immediately. How Is Epiglottitis Diagnosed? 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. In most cases, if your doctor thinks you might have epiglottitis, they’ll admit you into the hospital.

Once you’re admitted, your doctor may need to perform any of the following tests to support the diagnosis: a throat examination using a fiber optic tube X-rays of your throat and chest to view the severity of the inflammation and infection throat and blood cultures to determine the cause of infection, such as bacteria or a virus What Is the Treatment for Epiglottitis? If your doctor thinks you have epiglottitis, the first mode of treatment typically involves monitoring your oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter device. If your blood oxygen levels become too low, you’ll likely get supplemental oxygen through a breathing tube or mask. Your doctor may also give you one or all of the following treatments: intravenous fluids for nutrition and hydration until you’re able to swallow again antibiotics to treat a known or suspected bacterial infection anti-inflammatory medication, such as corticosteroids, to reduce the swelling in your throat You may also need a minor surgical procedure in which your doctor inserts a needle into your trachea. This is also known as a tracheotomy (in very severe cases) to allow exchange of oxygen and to prevent respiratory failure. If you seek immediate medical attention, you can expect a full recovery in most cases. Can Epiglottitis Be Prevented?

You can help reduce the risk of getting epiglottitis by doing several things. Children should receive 3 to 4 doses of the Hib vaccine starting at 2 months of age. Typically, children receive a dose at 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 with a proper diet. If you live or work with someone who has tested positive for Hib, ask your doctor to test you for the bacteria. Getting treatment quickly can reduce your risk of developing epiglottitis. Article Resources Article resources Abdullah, C. (2012, September). Acute epiglottitis: Trends, diagnosis, and management. Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia, 6(3), 279–281.

Retrieved from Epiglottis – Definition, Function, Location, Pictures and Problems Home > Human Anatomy > Epiglottis – Definition, Function, Location, Pictures and Problems Epiglottis – Definition, Function, Location, Pictures and Problems Page Contents 13 Epiglottis Pictures Ever wondered what keeps your food from going off into your windpipes while eating? It is the humble Epiglottis that does the job for you. Read and know all what is Epiglottis, its location, its function, the diseases that affect it and the treatment of those conditions. Epiglottis Definition Picture 1 – Epiglottis Source – daviddarling Epiglottis is structure of the body that hangs down the windpipe. When food is swallowed, the Epiglottis keeps it from entering the lungs. In the absence of Epiglottis a person can choke and cough every time while eating. Epiglottis Location Epiglottis is found at the entrance of the larynx. It projects sideways at the rear of the tongue and the hyoid bone .

Epiglottis Pronunciation = âA-pee-glot-tisâ. Epiglottis Action Normally, Epiglottis points upwards allowing free passage of air into the trachea and larynx. During eating and swallowing process, the Epiglottis shuts itself thus blocking the opening into the trachea. When the swallowing is done, the Epiglottis opens up again allowing normal breathing. Epiglottis and Swallowing The Epiglottis function in swallowing is a very important one. While swallowing food and water, it draws itself back to cover the entry point of the larynx which prevents food and drink from going into the windpipe. These edible substances enter the esophagus and directly go into the stomach. When the swallowing action ends, the epiglottis moves up once again making normal flow of air into the trachea (windpipe). Epiglottis Structure Epiglottis is composed of elastic cartilage. Cartilage is a tough elastic tissue. It is made of small bundles of fibers that are highly elastic. This makes it sturdy yet flexible.

The cartilage tissue in the Epiglottis is coated with mucus membranes. This makes it hard enough to form a barrier before the trachea while swallowing. At the same time, it is soft enough to fold itself once the action is done. Function of Epiglottis in the Respiratory System The Epiglottis function in respiratory system is a very important one. It is because of this cartilaginous structure that you do not choke while eating or drinking. It is because the Epiglottis shuts the entrance to the trachea that food and drinks are transferred to the digestive system. However, sometimes food or liquid falls into pockets at either side of the Epiglottis. These can be safely coughed up and choking can be prevented. This is the reason why it is not safe to talk while swallowing. How Does The Epiglottis Work? Most of us have no idea how the Epiglottis works inside our body. The function of the Epiglottis is highly interesting and important. As aforementioned, it is placed behind the hyoid bone in the neck.

During swallowing, the neck muscles lift the hyoid bone which causes the Epiglottis to fold down and obstruct the airway thus diverting the swallowed substances to the esophagus. Epiglottis and Glottis Many people tend to mistake the Epiglottis with the glottis. Both are structurally and functionally different parts of the anatomy. The epiglottis is the cartilage flap fixed to the entrance of the larynx. Glottis is the space lying between the vocal folds and arytenoid cartilages located in the larynx. In other words, it is an opening to the larynx. It is known as the organ of speech or the vocal equipment of the larynx. It is the Glottis where voice tone is produced. Epiglottis Function in Digestion Epiglottis automatically delivers food and nutrients to the digestive system. It is because of this organ that swallowed particles are diverted to the esophagus and not the respiratory system. While swallowing, the organ flops down to channelize the eaten particles directly to the stomach. Epiglottis Function in Speech The Epiglottis has a vital role in speech.

It acts as an articulator in the production of vowels and pharyngeal consonants. In pharyngeals, Epiglottis articulates against the posterior pharynx wall. During slow speech, the speech is generated through a narrow opening. While pronouncing vowels, the opening between the Epiglottis and the pharynx becomes larger. In case of pronunciation of consonants, the aperture becomes smaller. Epiglottis is also involved in whisper, though it is seen to be more retracted than in normal speech. Epiglottis Problems Like any other organ in the body, the Epiglottis can be affected by a number of conditions. Some of the main Epiglottis diseases are Epiglottitis This condition leads to the swelling of the Epiglottis. This inflammation is caused mainly by an infection due to Haemophilus influenza bacteria. However, it may also result from attack by other types of bacteria and viruses that can cause Upper Respiratory Infection. Epiglottitis bacterial infection is now a rare disease but was once one of the very common Epiglottis problems in children in the age group 2 to 6.

Today, it is rarely seen to affect adults. But it is a life-threatening disorder and can even lead to death due to breathing difficulties that it causes. Epiglottis Ulcers Ulcers in Epiglottis are highly discomforting. They can give rise to extremely uncomfortable symptoms like sore throat and blocked ears. The presence of ulcers in Epiglottis makes it very difficult to swallow food and water.Â The throat can pain even while swallowing your own saliva. Chlorhexadine, Phylorinol, Tetracycline and codeine can be effective in curing Epiglottis lesions. Epiglottis Surgery Some people inhale food particles into their lungs from the mouth. This problem is known as Chronic Aspiration and can cause frequent respiratory infections, coughs and sore throat. In such cases, the Epiglottis needs to be surgically modified. However, the aim of surgery is to only change the structure of the Epiglottis and not remove it altogether. Complete Epiglottis removal can cause serious problems. The air breathed in would enter the stomach and the food would travel to the trachea.

Epiglottis repair surgery intends to put an end to Chronic Aspiration without removing this vital organ. Epiglottis Pictures Want to check how the Epiglottis actually looks like? Here are some useful Epiglottis photos for you. Take a look at these Epiglottis diagrams and know about the appearance of this important anatomical organ. Picture 2 – Epiglottis Image Picture 3 – Epiglottis Photo Source – mycotopia Epiglottis is a very important part of our body. It is this organ that aids in speech and eating foods and drinks. It is also because of this body organ that proper respiration becomes possible for us. References: Epiglottitis | Health | Patient Epiglottitis 951 Epiglottitis is the term used to describe inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis which lies just behind the root of your tongue. It is usually caused by infection with a germ (bacterium). The usual symptoms are a severe sore throat, pain or difficulty swallowing and a high temperature (fever). Breathing difficulties can occur.

Prompt treatment is needed to ensure that enough oxygen can reach the lungs, and includes antibiotics. If epiglottitis is treated quickly, the outlook is generally very good. Untreated, it can be life-threatening. Since immunisation against Hib was introduced, the number of children who develop epiglottitis in the UK has reduced dramatically. What is the epiglottis? The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of cartilage tissue that lies just behind the back of your tongue. When you swallow, your epiglottis covers your voice box (larynx) stopping food from entering your windpipe (trachea). Your voice box is in the front of your neck above your windpipe. It contains your vocal cords and also allows air to pass from your mouth into your windpipe, and from there to your lungs. What is epiglottitis and what causes it? Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis. It is almost always caused by infection with a germ (bacterium). The most common bacteria that causes epiglottitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

Infection leads to inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. If the epiglottis swells, because of its position in your throat, it can affect your breathing by blocking (obstructing) the passage of air through your voice box (larynx) to your trachea (windpipe) and your lungs. Epiglottitis can be confused for croup which is a common childhood viral infection affecting the voice box and windpipe. Croup is far less dangerous than epiglottitis and improves on its own. See separate leaflet called Croup for more details . Who gets epiglottitis and how common is it? Epiglottitis can occur at any age. In children it most commonly affects those between the ages of 2 and 5. However, since the Hib vaccine was introduced in the UK and other countries in the 1990s, the number of children who develop epiglottitis has reduced dramatically. It is now extremely rare. See separate article called DTaP/Polio/Hib immunisation for more details.

As the use of the Hib vaccine increases, this has meant that the typical person who develops epiglottitis is an adult rather than a child. However, it is still rare for adults to get epiglottitis. You are more at risk if your immune system does not work properly - for example, if you have had chemotherapy or if you have HIV . What are the symptoms of epiglottitis? High temperature (fever) is usually the first symptom. Someone with epiglottitis will also complain of a very sore throat. They may have a hoarse voice and pain on swallowing. Because of the pain on swallowing, they may drool saliva. Coughing is not a common symptom. Noisy breathing and breathing difficulty then follow and need to be treated quickly. Someone with epiglottitis usually prefers to sit upright and lean slightly forwards, often with their tongue sticking out (protruding). This position helps to open up their airway to let more oxygen through to the lungs. Someone with epiglottitis can be quite scared and panicked. You may hear a grunting noise as they try to breathe.

As less oxygen gets through to the lungs, their skin colour can change and can become grey or blue. If treatment is not started quickly, the swelling of the epiglottis can totally block (obstruct) the airway. This means that air is not able to reach the lungs and this can cause collapse and death. In general, adults with epiglottitis tend to have less severe symptoms than children and the symptoms tend to develop more slowly. More related content How is epiglottitis diagnosed? If someone has suspected epiglottitis, they should be admitted to hospital immediately. It should be treated as an emergency by calling 999/112/911 for an ambulance. Do not lay the person down or try to look in their throat, as this can cause the throat to close off completely and may cause breathing to stop altogether. Epiglottitis is usually diagnosed by the typical symptoms. A procedure called a nasopharyngoscopy or laryngoscopy may be used, once you are in hospital, to help confirm epiglottitis. A thin flexible tube is run down your nose into your throat.

The doctor is able to see through the tube and look for swelling or redness of the epiglottis. Sometimes an X-ray of your neck is taken and this can show a swollen epiglottitis. A swab is also usually taken from your throat and sent to the laboratory to look for infection. A blood sample may also be taken, again to look for signs of infection. A CT or MRI scan may also be needed. What is the treatment for epiglottitis? If someone has epiglottitis, the most important treatment is to ensure that they are getting enough oxygen into their lungs. For example, oxygen can be given using a mask over their mouth and nose. Sometimes someone may need help with their breathing, using a ventilator. A ventilator is a machine that is mechanically operated to maintain the flow of oxygen and air into and out of the lungs. In severe cases, if the epiglottis is swollen and blocking the airway, even if oxygen is given, it would not be able to reach the lungs. So, a procedure called a tracheostomy is done. This is where a small cut is made in the windpipe (trachea).

This allows a tube to pass below the swollen epiglottis so that oxygen can be delivered to the lungs. Someone with a tracheostomy may also need help with their breathing using a ventilator. Antibiotics are another important part of the treatment . They help to fight the infection. A steroid medicine may also be given to help reduce the inflammation around the epiglottis . If someone with epiglottitis is having trouble with their breathing and they need to be ventilated or need a tracheostomy, they will usually be transferred to an intensive care unit. They will be kept on the ventilator until the antibiotics have started to work and the inflammation of the epiglottis has had time to improve. Are there any complications of epiglottitis? If epiglottitis is not treated quickly, the airway can become totally blocked. This means that air is not able to get into the lungs and the person can die. However, if epiglottitis is treated quickly, the outlook is generally very good. Recovery usually takes about seven days in children and may be a little longer in adults.

Rarely, infection can spread from the epiglottis to other parts of the body, including the ear, the brain, the heart and the lungs. Can epiglottitis be prevented? The Hib vaccine is advised for all babies at age two, three, four and 12 months. This has led to a dramatic reduction in cases of epiglottitis in children. However, as with all vaccines, it is not always 100% effective. Epiglottitis may also be caused by other germs (bacteria). Close contacts of someone who has been diagnosed with epiglottitis (for example, people who live in the same household) may also be given antibiotics to help to reduce the chance of them developing the infection. Further reading & references Glynn F, Fenton JE ; Diagnosis and management of supraglottitis (epiglottitis). Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2008 May;10(3):200-4. Bizaki AJ, Numminen J, Vasama JP, et al ; Acute supraglottitis in adults in Finland: review and analysis of 308 cases. Laryngoscope.

2011 Oct;121(10):2107-13. doi: 10.1002/lary.22147. Epub 2011 Sep 6. Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions . Original Author: Epiglottis Function, Pictures & Definition | Body Maps Your message has been sent. OK We're sorry, an error occurred. We are unable to collect your feedback at this time. However, your feedback is important to us. Please try again later. Close Epiglottis The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of cartilage located behind the tongue, at the top of the larynx, or voice box. The main function of the epiglottis is to seal off the windpipe during eating, so that food is not accidentally inhaled. The epiglottis also helps with some aspects of sound production in certain languages.

Swelling of the epiglottis is called epiglottitis. This condition can block airflow to the lungs and is, therefore, potentially life-threatening. Epiglottitis can have many causes, including burns from hot beverages, throat injury, or bacterial infections. Epiglottitis (Epiglottis) Infection or Inflammation Synonyms and Keywords Epiglottitis Overview Epiglottitis is a medical emergency that may result in death if not treated quickly. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue at the base of the tongue that keeps food from going into the trachea , or windpipe, during swallowing. When it gets infected and inflamed, it can obstruct, or close off, the windpipe, which may be fatal unless promptly treated. Respiratory infection, environmental exposure, or trauma may result in inflammation and infection of other structures around the throat. This infection and inflammation may spread to the epiglottis as well as other upper airway structures. Epiglottitis usually begins as an inflammation and swelling between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis.

With continued inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, complete blockage of the airway may occur, leading to suffocation and death. Even a little narrowing of the windpipe can dramatically increase the resistance of an airway, making breathing much more difficult. Autopsies of people with epiglottitis have shown distortion of the epiglottis and its associated structures, including the formation of abscesses (pockets of infection). For unknown reasons, adults with epiglottic involvement are more likely than children to develop epiglottic abscesses. Epiglottitis was first described in the 18th century but was first accurately defined by Le Mierre in 1936. In fact, although George Washington's death in 1796 was attributed by some to quinsy (today we call it peritonsillar abscess ), which is a pocket of pus behind the tonsils , it could have actually been due to epiglottitis. In the past, epiglottitis was more common in children than in adults. This difference was believed to be because of the smaller diameter of children's epiglottic opening when compared to adults.

Epiglottitis in the very young (younger than 1 year of age) is unusual. In the past, Haemophilus influenzae type b (or Hib) was the most common organism related to epiglottitis. Since 1985, with the widespread vaccination against Hib, the overall incidence of the disease among children has dropped dramatically. A conservative estimate of the incidence of epiglottitis is 1 case per 100,000 people in the U.S. each year. Epiglottitis Causes Causes of epiglottitis include bacteria, viruses, and fungi, especially among adults. Various organisms that can cause epiglottitis include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, varicella- zoster , herpes simplex virus type 1, and Staphylococcus aureus, and others. Other types of epiglottitis are caused by heat damage. Thermal epiglottitis occurs from drinking hot liquids; eating very hot solid foods; or using illicit drugs (i.e., inhaling the tips of marijuana cigarettes or metal pieces from crack cocaine pipes).

In these cases, the epiglottitis from thermal injury is similar to the illness caused by infection. Unusual causes of epiglottitis include brown recluse spider bites to the ear, which may result in swelling, or eating buffalo fish, which may cause an allergic-like reaction and swelling. Blunt trauma or something blocking the throat may also lead to epiglottitis. Epiglottitis Symptoms When epiglottitis strikes, it usually occurs quickly, from just a few hours to a few days. The most common symptoms include sore throat , muffling or changes in the voice, difficulty speaking, fever, difficulty swallowing, fast heart rate , and difficulties in breathing. Fever is usually high in children but may be lower in adults or in cases of thermal epiglottitis. Signs of respiratory distress, or trouble breathing , are seen with epiglottitis. Signs include drooling, leaning forward to breathe, taking rapid shallow breaths, "pulling in" of muscles in the neck or between the ribs with breathing, a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing, and trouble speaking. Someone with acute epiglottitis usually looks very ill.

Children may sit in a "sniffing position" with the body leaning forward and the head and nose tilted forward and upward. People with epiglottitis may appear restless and breathing with their neck, chest wall, and upper belly muscles. While they may be taking in less air with each breath, they may still manifest the high-pitched whistling sound, called inspiratory stridor. Typically, a child who comes to the hospital with epiglottitis has a history of fever, difficulty talking, irritability, and problems swallowing for several hours. The child often sits forward and drools. In infants younger than 1 year of age, signs and symptoms such as fever, drooling, and upright posturing may all be absent. The infant may have a cough and a history of an upper respiratory infection. So, it is very difficult to know if an infant has epiglottitis. In contrast, adolescents and adults have more recognizable symptoms, with the main complaints being sore throat , fever, difficulty breathing, drooling, and stridor (noise with breathing). Doctors have characterized adult epiglottitis into 3 categories: Category 1: Severe respiratory distress with imminent or actual respiratory arrest.

People typically report a brief history with a rapid illness that quickly becomes dangerous. Blood cultures, which are tests that check for bacteria in the blood , are often positive for Hib. Category 2: Moderate-to-severe clinical symptoms and signs of considerable risk for potential airway blockage. Symptoms and signs usually include sore throat , inability to swallow, difficulty in lying flat, muffled "hot potato" voice (speaking as if they have a mouthful of hot potato), stridor, and the use of accessory respiratory muscles with breathing. Category 3: Mild-to-moderate illness without signs of potential airway blockage. These people often have a history of illness that has been occurring for days with complaints of sore throat and pain upon swallowing. When to Seek Medical Care Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have a sore throat accompanied by any of the following signs and symptoms: Muffled voice Bluish skin Respiratory distress characterized by drooling, shortness of breath, rapid shallow breathing, very ill-looking appearance, upright posturing with tendency to lean forward, and stridor (high-pitched sound when breathing in) Epiglottitis is a medical emergency.

Someone who is suspected of having epiglottitis should be taken to the hospital immediately. Try to keep the person as calm and comfortable as possible. Make no attempt at home to inspect the throat of a person suspected of having epiglottitis. This can cause the windpipe and surrounding tissues to close and an irregular heart beat, which can lead to respiratory and/or cardiac arrest (stopping of breathing and/or heart ) and death. Exams and Tests The doctor may perform x-rays or simply look at the epiglottis and the windpipe by laryngoscopy . The doctor may find that the pharynx is inflamed with a beefy cherry-red, stiff, and swollen epiglottis. Because manipulation of the epiglottis may result in sudden fatal airway obstruction and because irregular slow heart rates have occurred with attempts at intubation (putting a tube down the throat and placing the person on a machine that helps with breathing), the doctor will likely use the controlled environment of an operating room or intensive care unit to see the throat structures.

Other laboratory tests may include the following: Blood tests to look for infection or inflammation Arterial blood gas, which measures oxygenation of the blood Blood cultures (blood samples that may grow bacteria), which can indicate the cause of the epiglottitis Other immunologic tests looking for antibodies to specific bacteria or viruses These laboratory tests may not be useful in diagnosing epiglottitis until the person is stable. Also, the anxiety from having blood drawn or cultures taken from the throat may cause the unstable epiglottis to close off, completely obstructing the airway and creating an emergency with only a few minutes to correct. Even with all of our modern technology, epiglottitis is not easy to diagnose. It is often mistakenly diagnosed as strep throat or croup . Epiglottitis differs from croup by its worsening progress, lack of a barking cough , and a cherry-red swollen epiglottis versus a red nonswollen epiglottis in croup. One way doctors can tell epiglottitis from croup is by taking X-rays of the neck, which can show the swollen epiglottis. Still, there are other misdiagnoses of epiglottitis.

They include diphtheria, peritonsillar abscess, and infectious mononucleosis . Noninfectious causes have been mistaken as angioedema (swelling of the tissues in the airway), laryngeal inflammation or spasm, laryngeal trauma, cancerous growths, allergic reactions, thyroid gland infection, epiglottic hematoma (trapped blood pocket), hemangioma (abnormal collection of blood vessels), or inhalational injury. Epiglottitis Treatment: Medical Treatment Immediate hospitalization is required whenever the diagnosis of epiglottitis is suspected. The person is in danger of sudden and unpredictable closing of the airway. So doctors must establish a secure way for the person to breathe. Antibiotics may be given. Initial treatment of epiglottitis may consist of making the person as comfortable as possible. For instance, an ill child may be placed in a dimly-lit room with the parent holding the child. Then humidified oxygen may be added while the child is closely monitored. If there are no signs of respiratory distress, IV fluids may be helpful. It is important to prevent anxiety , because it may lead to an acute airway obstruction especially in children.

People with possible signs of airway obstruction require laryngoscopy in the operating room or intensive care unit with proper staff and airway intervention equipment. In very severe cases, the doctor may need to perform a cricothyrotomy (cutting the neck to insert a breathing tube directly into the windpipe). IV antibiotics may effectively control inflammation and get rid of the infection from the body. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat the most common types of bacteria. Blood cultures are usually obtained with the premise that any organism found growing in the blood can be attributed as the cause of the epiglottitis. However, in many cases, blood cultures may fail to yield this information. Corticosteroids and epinephrine have been used in the past. However, many experts now doubt that these medications are helpful in most cases of epiglottitis. Prevention Epiglottitis can often be prevented with proper vaccination against H influenza type b (Hib). Adult vaccination is not routinely recommended, except for people with immune problems such as sickle cell anemia , splenectomy (removal of the spleen ), cancers, or other diseases affecting the immune system.

If there is a house with a Hib-infected person, preventive medication such as rifampin ( Rifadin ) should be given to anyone else in the house who is: Under age 4 years and has not received all the Hib vaccinations Under 12 months and has not finished the first series of Hib vaccine Under age 18 with a weakened immune system This is to make sure that both the person with the illness and the rest of the household have the bacteria completely eradicated from their bodies. This prevents formation of a "carrier state" in which a person has the bacteria in the body but is not actively sick. Carriers can still spread the infection to other family members. Next Steps: Follow-up Follow-up involves continuing to take all antibiotics until the full course is completed, keeping all follow-up appointments with the doctor and with the surgeon if a breathing tube had to be placed through the neck. The surgeon will remove the tube and make sure the site is healing well. Most people improve significantly before leaving the hospital, so taking the antibiotics and returning to the hospital if there are any problems are the most important parts of follow-up.

Outlook A person with epiglottitis can recover very well with a good prognosis if the condition is caught early and treated in time. In fact, a good majority of people with epiglottitis do well and recover without problems. But if the person was not brought to the hospital early and was not appropriately diagnosed and treated, the prognosis may range from long-range illness to death. Before 1973, about 32% of adults with epiglottitis died from the disease. With current vaccination programs along with earlier recognition and treatment, the overall death rate from epiglottitis is estimated to be less than 1%. The death rate from epiglottitis in adults is higher than that of children because the condition can be misdiagnosed. Epiglottitis can also occur with other infections in adults, such as pneumonia . Most commonly, it is misdiagnosed as a strep throat. However, if it is caught early and treated appropriately, a person can expect to fully recover. Most of the deaths come from failure to diagnose it in a timely fashion and obstruction of the airway.

As with any serious infection, bacteria may enter the blood, a condition called bacteremia, which may result in infections in other systems and sepsis (severe infection with shock, often with respiratory failure). Multimedia

Question: The epiglottis is in what part of the body?
Answer: Throat