Final answer:
Intubation is the procedure that can save the life of someone with epiglottitis by ensuring the airway remains open despite swelling that can obstruct breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Procedure to Treat Epiglottitis
Intubation is the modern procedure that can save the life of someone with epiglottitis. In cases where part of the respiratory system is blocked due to the swelling of the epiglottis, a plastic tube is placed into the trachea to ensure that air can bypass the obstructed area and reach the lungs. This is critical because the epiglottis typically protects the trachea from aspirated food and, during epiglottitis, can swell and block the flow of air, making breathing difficult or impossible.
Additionally, during general anesthesia, where the risk of airway obstruction is heightened due to relaxed muscles, endotracheal intubation is similarly employed to maintain an open airway and seal it off from the oropharynx. This is particularly important in surgical settings to avoid complications from the anesthesia affecting the breathing and tongue movement.