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Epiglottitis - Symptom

Alternative Names

Supraglottitis

Symptoms:

Epiglottitis begins with a high fever and sore throat. Other symptoms may include:

Abnormal breathing sounds (stridor)
Chills, shaking
Cyanosis (blue skin coloring)
Drooling
Difficulty breathing (patient may need to sit upright and lean slightly forward to breathe)
Difficulty swallowing
Voice changes (hoarseness)

Signs and tests:

Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical help. Do not use a tongue depressor (tongue blade) to try to examine the throat at home, as this may make the condition worse.

The health care provider may examine the voice box (larynx) using either a small mirror held against the back of the throat or a viewing tube called a laryngoscope. This exam may be done in the operating room if the windpipe is blocked.

Tests that may be done include:

Haemophilus influenza organism

Throat anatomy

Haemophilus influenza organism

Reviewed last on: 4/18/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Manno M. Pediatric respiratory emergencies: Upper airway obstruction and infections. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 166.

Burns JE, Hendley JO. Epiglottitis. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 59.

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