The modern view on the epiglottitis treatment

Abstract

Primary health care is defined as “primary contact, continuous, comprehensive, and coordinated care provided to the population without differentiation by gender, disease, or organ system”. Versatility, as part of medical school curricula, is intrinsically important for those pursuing careers with a significant primary care component, such as family medicine, emergency medicine, therapy, and pediatrics. Otolaryngology is an important specialty related to family medicine, pediatrics, and general practice. Otolaryngological problems make up a significant part of appeals for primary health care. Approximately 20 to 40 % of adult general practice consultations are related to otolaryngological complaints. The Ukrainian health care reform makes significant adjustments in approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of most diseases. Pathology can be so varied and the scope of practical skills can be limited by doctor’s competence. For diagnosis, a family doctor can use the ISPS-2 international classification, which greatly facilitates and unifies the work of a general practitioner. An epiglottic abscess is usually the final stage of inflammation of the epiglottis (epiglottitis) and surrounding tissues. The etiology of the disease can be of infectious or non-infectious nature. Clinical signs of epiglottitis vary depending on age, severity, and etiology. Without treatment, epiglottitis can progress to life-threatening airway obstruction, so prompt diag­nosis and management of epiglottitis in children is extremely important. The disease must be diagnosed at the early stages of the pathological process, following the patient’s route. It requires deep knowledge of the disease etiopathogenesis, mastering research methods, and using all the possible arsenal of treatment to prevent complications. Coordinated cooperation of medical staff at all stages of providing medical care should be ensured.