Epiglottitis

Alternative names:

supraglottitis

Symptoms:

• drooling
• a sore throat
• difficulty swallowing
• difficulty breathing
  • may need to sit upright leaning slightly forward to breathe adequately

• stridor (noisy breathing, "crowing" sound when inhaling)
• hoarseness
• chills, shaking
• a fever
• cyanosis (blue skin coloring)

Signs and tests:

Examination of the larynx (laryngoscopy) may show enlarged, reddened epiglottis. Do not attempt to examine the larynx at home, because use of the tongue blade may cause the condition to worsen. An anesthesiologist may need to examine the larynx in a person with epiglottitis, in the event insertion of a tube into the larynx (intubation) becomes necessary to maintain the airway.

• Stridor may be present.
• Blood culture or throat culture may show Hemophilus influenzae or other bacteria.
• A CBC may show an elevated WBC count.
• Neck X-rays may show enlargement of the epiglottis.