About this topic
Your epiglottis is a stiff but flexible piece of tissue at the back of your tongue. It keeps food from going down your windpipe when you swallow. It is a very serious problem if this tissue becomes irritated and swollen. Your airway may become blocked. Then, you will have trouble breathing. This problem does not happen as much as it used to in the U.S. There is a vaccine for the germs that often cause this illness. ‚
What are the causes?
- Infection by many kinds of germs. Theses germs may also cause other illnesses like meningitis or lung infection. They may cause sore throats, blood infections, or chickenpox. Some of the germs also cause diaper rash, yeast infections, or thrush.
- Injury to the back of throat from:
- Burns from hot liquids or chemicals
- Trauma
- Smoking illicit drugs like crack cocaine
- Allergic reaction (rare)
What can make this more likely to happen?
- This illness is more common in children between 2 and 6 years old if they have not had the vaccine. It is also more common in adults in their 40s.
- More common in males
- Not having the Hib vaccination
- Having a weak immune system from diabetes, HIV, cancer, chemo, or an organ transplant
- Being around or living with someone who has this problem
- Going to child care or school
- More common in African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans
- More common in children whose parents have low education levels and incomes
What are the main signs?
- High fever and chills
- Sore throat
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble swallowing which leads to drooling
- Voice becomes hoarse
- Abnormal high-pitched breath sounds called stridor
- Bluish skin color
- Being irritable
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and look at the throat. Your doctor may use a special tool to see the back of the throat better. Your doctor will also listen to the lungs and check breathing. You may need to have tests like: ‚
- Throat culture
- Blood tests
- Blood culture
- Neck x-ray
- Oxygen level check
This problem can often be mistaken for croup. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- This may be a very serious illness. You may need to be in the hospital and in the ICU. You may need help breathing. The doctors may give you a breathing tube and a machine to help you breathe more easily. You may be on extra oxygen. Your doctor may order drugs to:
- Fight infection
- Lessen pain and swelling
- You may also need an I.V. for fluids and drugs
Are there other health problems to treat?
Sometimes, the infection can spread to other parts. This may cause other problems that need treated. Some of them are meningitis, pneumonia, or blood infections. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection may spread to your spinal fluid, lungs, or blood
- Very bad breathing problems
- Spasms in the throat that suddenly close airway
- Airway becomes totally blocked from swelling
- Death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Make sure your childs vaccines are up to date. The Hib vaccine protects against the most common germ that causes this problem.
- If you have a family member with this problem, let your doctor know. This problem is easy to spread from person to person. You may need to be tested and treated.
- Always keep your hands clean using soap and water or hand sanitizer. Do not share personal items where germs can be spread.
Helpful tips
If you suspect you or your child has this problem, do not try to look in the throat by using a tongue depressor yourself. This can make the problem worse. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/Epiglottitis.aspx ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/epiglottitis/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚