Epiglottitis | Medtick
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Epiglottitis

What is it?

A serious bacterial infection that causes the inflammation of the epiglottis (flap of tissue that sits beneath the tongue at the back of the throat).

  • The epiglottis main function is to close the breathing airways when we eat food or drink; it prevents food or drink from entering the airways.
  • Hence if it swells up it can block the airways and cause breathing problems.
  • It mainly affecting children.
  • if one hears a ‘stridor sound’ (breathing difficulty that sounds like a parrot), this is a medical emergency
Do not examine if one suspects this condition, as it may cause a closure to the airways, worsening the symptoms, this is a medical Emergency condition

Cause

Symptoms

Severe and sudden symptoms:

  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats?
  • Blue skin/pale looking skin?
  • Breathing difficulties?
  • High pitched breathing sound?
  • Irritable and restless?
  • Pain and difficulty swallowing to the point one does not eat or drink hence one is drooling?
  • Hoarse and/or muffled voice?
  • Severe sore throat?
  • Ear infection (earache longer than four days) or an ear discharge?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical emergency Condition

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance

Do not examine if one suspects this condition as it may cause a closure to the airways , worsening the symptoms, this is a medical Emergency condition

This condition can may show similar symptoms to (these are all emergency conditions):

This condition may also show similar symptoms to :

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

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