Question

During acute epiglottitis, the epiglottis swells to several times its normal size. This would interfere directly with: a. internal respiration b. external respiration c. breathing d. gas exchange in the alveoli

Short answer

c. breathing

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the function of the epiglottis

The epiglottis is a flap of tissue located in the throat behind the tongue and in front of the larynx. Its main function is to seal off the windpipe during eating, so food is not inhaled.

- Identify what happens during acute epiglottitis

During acute epiglottitis, the epiglottis swells significantly. This swelling can block or narrow the airway, making it difficult for air to pass into the trachea and thus into the lungs.

- Determine the direct consequence of airway obstruction

If the airway is blocked or narrowed, it would directly interfere with the process of breathing. Breathing involves the intake of air into the lungs and expulsion of air out of the lungs.

- Analyze the options

a. Internal respiration occurs within cells where oxygen is used to produce energy. b. External respiration refers to gas exchange between the alveoli and blood. c. Breathing refers to the intake and expulsion of air in the lungs. d. Gas exchange in the alveoli refers to oxygen and carbon dioxide exchanging between the alveoli and the blood.

- Select the correct option

Given that acute epiglottitis blocks or narrows the airway, it directly interferes with breathing. Therefore, the correct answer is c.

Key concepts

Epiglottis Function

The epiglottis is a crucial part of our anatomy. It is a flap of elastic cartilage located at the entrance of the larynx, right behind the tongue. The primary role of the epiglottis is to prevent food and liquids from entering the windpipe during swallowing, ensuring they go down the esophagus instead. Picture it as a traffic controller in the throat. When you swallow, the epiglottis folds back to cover the opening of your windpipe. This action stops food and liquids from getting into the airways.
An interesting aspect of the epiglottis is how vital it is in the coordination between breathing and swallowing. Without it, you might accidentally inhale food or drink, which can lead to choking or respiratory infections.
Its function shows how the body prioritizes airway safety during the swallowing process.

Airway Obstruction

Airway obstruction refers to any blockage in the air passages that can hinder breathing. During acute epiglottitis, this becomes a severe issue due to the abundant swelling of the epiglottis.
The swollen epiglottis can act like a barrier, blocking the path air would usually travel. This blockage can vary. Sometimes, it might narrow the airway, causing minor breathing difficulties. Other times, the blockage can be extensive, making breathing very hard or nearly impossible.
When the airway is obstructed, symptoms can appear quickly. These include:

• Severe sore throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound)
• Drooling

In children, the condition is especially dangerous due to smaller airways that can be blocked more easily. Understanding the concept of airway obstruction helps in realizing how crucial steady airflow is for survival.

Breathing Process

Breathing is something we all do automatically without much thought. It involves two main steps: inhalation and exhalation. Inhalation draws air into the lungs, filling tiny air sacs called alveoli, which are covered in blood vessels. These sacs are where oxygen from the air passes into the blood, and carbon dioxide from the blood passes out to be exhaled.
For proper breathing, air must flow freely through the airway. This pathway starts from the nose or mouth, passing through the throat, and into the lungs. The presence of an open airway is essential. If the air cannot reach the alveoli, gas exchange cannot occur, disrupting the respiratory process.
Acute epiglottitis puts this entire mechanism at risk. Swelling of the epiglottis can block air from reaching the lungs, leading to reduced oxygen levels in the blood and potential respiratory failure. Ensuring the airway remains open is thus critical for life. This highlights why immediate medical attention is crucial when airway obstruction signs surface.