Ways To Prevent And Treat Epiglottitis

Making Sure The Patient Can Breathe

Because epiglottitis can cause airway obstruction, making sure the patient can breathe will be the primary objective during treatment. Individuals may be required to wear an oxygen mask that covers the nose and mouth and delivers consistent oxygen every time they breathe. In cases where swelling has increased and breathing is fairly difficult, the patient may need to have a breathing tube inserted into the windpipe. This can be done through the mouth or nose. The breathing tube will deliver oxygen directly to the lungs. When the swelling of the epiglottis has decreased considerably and the patient is able to maintain normal airflow, the breathing tube will be removed. For patients with severe or life-threatening swelling (where the windpipe is completely obstructed), a cricothyroidotomy may need to be performed. This involves inserting a needle directly into the trachea allowing for air to flow directly into the lungs. A cricothyroidotomy is considered a last resort treatment to aid in breathing when all other measures have failed.