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Epiglottitis - Treatment

Alternative Names

Supraglottitis

Treatment:

A hospital stay is needed, usually in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Treatment involves methods to help the person breathe, including:

Breathing tube (intubation)
Moistened (humidified) oxygen

Other treatments may include:

Antibiotics to treat the infection
Anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids to decrease throat swelling
Fluids given through a vein (by IV)

Expectations (prognosis):

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

Complications:

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

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

Calling your health care provider:

Call the local emergency number (such as 911) if your child has symptoms of epiglottitis, including sudden breathing difficulties, excessive drooling, and irritability.

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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