In the neck region the airway (larynx) and the passage (esophagus) for food, drink and so on are near
each other. If food and other material accidentally go into the airway death
from airway obstruction can result.
The epiglottis is a flexible flap of
tissue that prevents food and other material from going into the airway during swallowing.
Due to for example, bacterial infection, the epiglottis and adjacent tissues can
become (inflamed) swollen and red – cherry
red epiglottis.
When inflamed, the epiglottis itself
can obstruct the airway with fatal consequences; consequently visualizing the
cherry red epiglottis should only be done for instance in an operating theatre
with airway management specialists in attendance.
Vaccination with the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine
helps prevent epiglottitis (inflammation of the epiglottis) and other diseases
caused by the bacterium Haemophilus
influenzae.
Reference
Hung TY et al. Bedside
ultrasonography as a safe and effective tool to diagnose acute epiglottitis. Am
J Emerg Med, 2011, 29(3):359.e1-3. Go to referenceGo to Improbable version of this post
Epiglottis, Cherry
