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Epiglottitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Supraglottitis

Treatment:

The patient will be admitted to the hospital, usually an intensive care unit (ICU).

Treatment may include methods to help the patient breathe, including:

• Humidified oxygen (oxygen that has been moistened)
• Breathing tube ( intubation)

Other treatments may include:

• Fluids given by IV
• Antibiotics to treat the infection
• Corticosteroids to decrease the swelling of the throat

Expectations (prognosis):

Epiglottitis can be a life-threatening emergency. However, with proper treatment, the outcome is usually good.

Complications:

Spasm may cause the airway to close abruptly. In this case, death follows within minutes.

The airway may become totally blocked, which could result in death.

Calling your health care provider:

Go immediately to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if your child has symptoms suggestive of epiglottitis, including rapid onset of breathing difficulties, excessive drooling, and irritability.

• Review Date: 8/18/2006
• Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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