Epiglottitis history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Typical manifestations of acute epiglottitis in children include high fever, irritability, dysphagia, sore throat, stridor, and rapidly progressing respiratory distress. A forward-leaning position with drooling while trying to breathe is typically seen in affected children. Adults usually have milder presentations and less commonly develop airway obstruction with respiratory distress.[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, 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)
References
- ↑ Cohen SR, Chai J (1978). "Epiglottitis. Twenty-year study with tracheotomy". Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 87 (4 Pt 1): 461–7. PMID 686588.