Epiglottitis history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Symptoms

Epiglottitis typically affects children, and is associated with fever, difficulty swallowing, drooling, and stridor. It is important to note however that since the introduction of the Hemophilus Infuenzae vaccination in many Western countries (including th UK), the disease is becoming relatively more common in adults. The child often appears acutely ill, anxious, and has very quiet shallow breathing with the head held forward, insisting on sitting up in bed. The early symptoms are insidious but rapidly progressive, and swelling of the throat may lead to cyanosis and asphyxiation. Cases in adults are most typically seen amongst abusers of crack cocaine and have a more subacute presentation.

Other symptoms may include:

• Abnormal breathing sounds (stridor)
• Chills, shaking
• Cyanosis (blue skin coloring)
• Drooling
• Difficulty breathing (patient may need to sit upright and lean slightly forward to breathe)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Voice changes (hoarseness)