On this page, you will find everything you need to know about epiglottitis.
What is Epiglottitis?
The epiglottis is a thin piece of cartilage near the base of the tongue, preventing food and liquids from descending into the windpipe when swallowing. Epiglottitis is the inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, often caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
You might also hear the term "acute epiglottitis." This refers to the sudden and extremely severe onset of symptoms, including difficulty breathing and swallowing.
What Are the Symptoms of Epiglottitis?
Symptoms of epiglottitis usually appear suddenly and worsen quickly. Sometimes, in older children and adults, it may take a few days for symptoms to fully develop. The most common symptoms of epiglottitis include:
- Severe sore throat.
- Difficulty and pain when swallowing (a primary symptom in older children and adults).
- Difficulty breathing (a primary symptom in children).
- Abnormal or high-pitched breathing sounds (a primary symptom in children).
- Hoarseness or muffled voice.
- Fever reaching 38°C or higher.
- Drooling (a primary symptom in older children and adults).
What are the Causes of Epiglottitis?
In most cases, the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae cause epiglottitis. This is sometimes called acute bacterial epiglottitis. Haemophilus influenzae can also cause pneumonia and meningitis. Other possible causes of epiglottitis include:
- Bacterial infections, such as those from pneumonia.
- Fungal infections, especially common in individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Viral infections from the virus causing chickenpox or the herpes simplex virus (which causes cold sores).
- Throat injury, either from a physical blow.
- Smoking.
- Side effects of another illness or chemotherapy.
How is Epiglottitis Diagnosed?
A doctor will take a medical history and conduct a clinical examination, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
- Laryngoscopy: During this test, your healthcare provider uses a small camera at the end of a flexible tube to examine your throat.
- Your provider may take a throat swab to test for bacteria or viruses.
- Blood tests: The provider may conduct various blood tests to count white blood cells or determine if there are any bacteria or viruses in your blood.
- An X-ray or CT scan can help identify the level of swelling and determine if there is an unwanted object in the airway.
How is Epiglottitis Treated?
Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. If you or anyone you know exhibits symptoms of epiglottitis—such as difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or drooling—head to the nearest emergency room.
In the hospital, healthcare providers will initiate treatment for epiglottitis by:
- The first step is restoring the airway to full capacity. Your healthcare provider will place an oxygen mask over your mouth and nose so your lungs can start receiving air.
- Once your lungs receive oxygen, your provider may insert a breathing tube through your nose into the windpipe to normalize breathing.
- If you have a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be used to help combat the infection.
How Can Epiglottitis Be Prevented?
While you cannot completely prevent epiglottitis, there are measures you can take to significantly reduce the risk:
- In children, the best prevention is to ensure vaccinations are administered, as there is a vaccine for Haemophilus influenzae.
- Maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and avoid putting fingers in your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Protect yourself from infection. Take precautions around people who have a fever.
- Avoid harming your throat. Drinking hot liquids or smoking can increase the risk of epiglottitis.
What are the Complications of Epiglottitis?
Epiglottitis can cause several complications, including:
- Respiratory failure: The epiglottis is a small, movable "lid" above the voice box that prevents food and drink from entering the windpipe. Swelling of the epiglottis can completely block the airway, leading to respiratory failure.
- Spread of infection: Sometimes, the bacteria causing epiglottitis can lead to infections in other parts of the body. These infections can include pneumonia, meningitis, or bloodstream infections.
When Should You See a Doctor?
- Epiglottitis can be life-threatening if the swelling causes the airway leading to your lungs to close. If you believe you or someone you know may have epiglottitis, call emergency services.
- While waiting for an ambulance, you should not attempt to examine your child's throat, put anything in their mouth, or lay them on their back. This may worsen the symptoms.
- It's important to keep them calm and try to avoid causing panic.
Frequently Asked Questions:
My child is coughing and avoiding eating. What does this mean, and how should I proceed?
These symptoms may indicate a throat infection, which could result from numerous causes, most of them being non-severe viral infections. If you notice symptoms that require medical intervention, head to the emergency department or call emergency services immediately. The most critical symptoms include:
- High temperatures that do not respond to antipyretic medication.
- Loss of consciousness.
- "Cyanosis," a change of lip or hand color to blue.
- Avoidance of eating and drinking, and signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination, dry skin, and dry mouth.
