Acute epiglottitis quiz
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Learn more about Acute epiglottitis
Content updated on Jun 1, 2022
What is acute epiglottitis?
The epiglottis is a cartilage flap over the windpipe. Acute epiglottitis refers to life-threatening inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis which can result in airway block. It can be caused by infection or injury (e.g. scalding or burning). It can affect anyone, although infants and the elderly are more vulnerable.
Symptoms related to acute epiglottitis
Thick, muffled voice
Drooling
Difficulty speaking due to pain
Throat redness
Fever
Sore throat
Feeling breathless
Difficulty swallowing food or water
Questions your doctor may ask to check for acute epiglottitis
Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose acute epiglottitis
Do you feel your voice has become muffled and unclear when talking?
Do you have drooling (because you cannot swallow saliva)?
Do you have difficulty speaking due to pain?
Do you have redness in your throat?
Do you have a fever?
Treatment for acute epiglottitis
It requires emergency medical attention in a hospital. Initial treatment focuses on securing the airway to enable breathing. This may be done by wearing an oxygen mask, inserting a tube into the windpipe, or in severe cases by inserting a needle through the windpipe to create a passage for air to enter. Antibiotics and painkillers are injected as well.
View the symptoms of Acute epiglottitis
Diseases related to Acute epiglottitis
References
Jan L, Boute P, Mouawad F. Pasteurella multocida acute epiglottitis. Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2021 Mar;138(2):100-102. doi: 10.1016/j.anorl.2020.06.008. Epub 2020 Jun 27. PMID: 32600824.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879729620301472?via%3Dihub
Allen M, Meraj TS, Oska S, Spillinger A, Folbe AJ, Cramer JD. Acute epiglottitis: Analysis of U.S. mortality trends from 1979 to 2017. Am J Otolaryngol. 2021 Mar-Apr;42(2):102882. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102882. Epub 2021 Jan 4. PMID: 33429180.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0196070920305767?via%3Dihub
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Seiji Kanazawa, MD, PHD
Obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN)
National Center for Child Health and Development, Japan