A forklift truck driver named Grzegorz Jaworek from Orford tragically passed away on May 21st this year after seeking treatment at Warrington Hospital following a dental surgery.
The 39-year-old had undergone teeth extraction earlier in the week, as revealed during the inquest opening at Warrington Coroners’ Court in June. Mr. Jaworek experienced sudden shortness of breath at home on May 20 and went to the hospital’s emergency department.
He had complained to his partner about mouth pain starting on May 15 after having some lower-level teeth extracted at the dental surgery. Despite returning to the dentist for an urgent appointment on May 20, where adjustments were made to his dentures, there were no signs of ulcers or trauma to the throat area.
The inquest revealed that Mr. Jaworek was diagnosed with epiglottitis, a rare condition that caused acute breathlessness and a sore throat. Despite receiving treatment with steroid nebulizers and antibiotics, his condition deteriorated, leading to his unfortunate passing on May 21.
The medical cause of death was determined to be pulmonary edema and acute airway obstruction due to epiglottitis. The senior coroner for Cheshire, Jacqueline Devonish, concluded that Mr. Jaworek’s death was a result of this rare condition.
Ali Kennah, the chief nurse at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, expressed condolences to Mr. Jaworek’s family and friends for their loss.
Epiglottitis is an illness that all UK children are vaccinated against, but it can still affect adults. It is important to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms like sudden shortness of breath or a sore throat after dental procedures, as early detection and treatment are crucial in such cases. It is a tragic reminder of how quickly health conditions can escalate, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and prompt medical care.
