Epiglottis Essay

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Acute epiglottis is an infectious disease of the epiglottis and supraglottic structures that can cause sudden fatal airway obstruction. Airway management can be unpredictably difficult and challenging particularly in the event of the unexpected difficult airway. In rare cases, it is impossible either to intubate the trachea or to ventilate the lungs via mask. By anticipating these challenges and choosing the correct rescue strategy in managing the high-risk airway can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. We report a case of a 41-year-old man presented with severe upper airway obstruction following acute epiglottis that urgently needed artificial airways. The complexities and the challenges encountered in managing the patient’s airway are discussed. Acute epiglottitis or often referred as “supraglottitis” is an infectious disease of the epiglottitis and surrounding supraglottic structures . Acute epiglottis has capable of rapid progression to complete airway obstruction as great as 18%, therefore achievement of airway patency remain the key elements in the airway management. There is no consensus on the optimum management of adult epiglottitis, however most literatures advocate immediate airway intervention in all patients with imminent or actual airway obstruction . We here highlight the challenges of the airway management in a patient of acute epiglottitis with upper airway obstruction and further emphasize the need of multidisciplinary approach including emergency physicians, ENT and anesthetics involvement. A 41-year-old manwith a history of DM was brought to emergency department (ED)due to difficulty in breathing. It was associated with fever, severe sore throat and muffled voice for 2 days duration. He visited a... ... middle of paper ... ...icothyroidotomy is going to be a challenge. Therefore, a tracheostomy is an ideal method, acknowledging the limitations described above especially when experienced ENT surgeon is available at the bedside. In conclusion, early diagnosis followed by an appropriate airway intervention is essential to prevent cardiac arrest or irreversible brain damage that occurs within minutes of complete airway obstruction. Although the conventional techniques remains standard option, every physician has to be familiar with the process of evaluating a difficult airway and, in the event of the unanticipated difficult airway and be able to use a wide variety of techniques to avoid complications and fatality. Airway management of the patient requires a coordinated effort from other consultants or colleagues, if available, can be the key to success in some circumstances.

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