Epiglottitis | Symptoms & Causes
What causes epiglottitis?
Epiglottitis is a bacterial infection, which is spread through the upper respiratory tract. The bacteria is usually Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). No one really knows why some children develop the disease, while others don't.
What are the symptoms of epiglottitis?
While symptoms may vary from child to child, the most common include:
- Upper respiratory infections
- Quick onset of a very sore throat
- Fever
- Muffled voice
- No cough
- Drooling
- Unable to talk
- Child sits leaning forward
- Child keeps his mouth open
Epiglottitis | Diagnosis & Treatments
How we diagnose epilottitis
Because of the severity of the disease and the need for immediate care, the diagnosis is usually made on physical appearance and a thorough medical history. If epiglottitis is suspected, your child will immediately be transferred to the hospital.
At the hospital, the following tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis:
- X-ray of the neck
- Blood tests
- Visualization of the airway
How we treat epiglottitis
Epiglottitis requires immediate emergency care to prevent your child from stopping breathing. Once your child is being monitored, the airway is safe and antibiotics are started, the disease usually stops progressing within 24 hours. Complete recovery takes longer and depends on each child's condition.
Treatment may include:
- Closely monitoring your child's airway
- If needed, assisting your child's breathing with machines
- Intravenous (IV) therapy with antibiotics to treat the infection
- Steroid medication (to reduce airway swelling)
- Intravenous (IV) fluids, until the child can swallow again
If your child is diagnosed with epiglottitis, your family or other close contacts are usually treated with a medication called Rifampin, to prevent the disease in those people who might have been exposed.
