Pathophysiology

Predisposing Precipitating
Age: 40 y.o environment: carpenter
Gender: male lifestyle
Diet: hot coffee and viand

Etiology
Haemophilus influenzae type b

Invasion and Colonization

Bacteremia and seeding of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues

-increase wbc(14)
-fever

Normally the epiglottis acts as a trap door to close the airway and prevent aspiration

Inflammation and edematous

Narrowed airways and respiratory compromise gastro intestinal compromise

-difficulty of breathing -pain in swallowing
-difficulty of speaking -tenderness
-drooling -sore throat

SUPRAGLOTTITIS
Pathophysiology

Epiglottitis was historically caused by infection of the supraglottic structures by Haemophilus

influenza B (see Haemophilus Influenzae Infection). Since the widespread use of the HiB
vaccine, the incidence and causative agents of epiglottitis have changed. Both H influenza type
B (HiB) and Streptococcus pneumonia (see Causes) can colonize the pharynges of healthy
children through respiratory transmission from intimate contact. These bacteria may penetrate the
mucosa invading the bloodstream, causing bacteremia and seeding of the epiglottis and
surrounding tissues. Bacteremia can also lead to infection of the meninges, skin, lungs, tears, and
joints.

Bacterial infection of the epiglottis leads to acute onset of inflammatory edema, beginning on the
lingual surface of the epiglottis where the submucosa is loosely attached. Swelling significantly
reduces the airway aperture. Edema rapidly progresses to involve the aryepiglottic folds, the
arytenoids, and the entire supraglottic larynx. The tightly bound epithelium on the vocal cords
halts edema spread at this level. Aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions or mucus plugging can
cause respiratory arrest.

Inflammation of any of the structures around the epiglottis may also become inflamed from
trauma, mechanical, thermal, or chemical. Reports have been made of epiglottitis caused by blunt
injury to the neck.1
PROGNOSIS

• Prior to admission, the patient had experienced pain drooling and difficulty of speaking.
He was able to ambulate though, with the assistance of the nurse and significant others.
He had experience fever.
• After the assessment period and period of care to the patient, he had no more fever; still
have pain in his throat, able to speak. Through medical and nursing intervention, his
infection was managed and caused his body to function normally. He can speak and talk
to his significant others and the nurses. And he has a good medication compliance. A few
days of recovery will lead to early discharge.
• Hence the prognosis is good.