Epiglottitis history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Prince Tano Djan, BSc, MBChB [2]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Epiglottitis presents differently in children and adults. 80 to 95% of adults with epiglottitis present with sore throat and dysphagia^{[1] [2]} whereas the predominant symptoms in infected children are high fever, muffled or hoarse voice, drooling and difficulty swallowing.^{[1] [3]} A forward-leaning position with drooling while trying to breathe is typically seen in affected children. The child often appears acutely ill, anxious, and has very quiet and shallow breathing with the head held forward, on insisting on sitting up in bed. Adults usually have milder presentations and less commonly develop airway obstruction with respiratory distress.^[4] Other common symptoms may include:^[5][6][7][8] abnormal breathing sounds (stridor), chills, rigor, cyanosis, and Difficulty breathing

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Epiglottitis presents differently in children and adults. 80 to 95% of adults with epiglottitis present with sore throat and dysphagia^{[1] [2]} whereas the predominant symptoms in infected children are high fever, muffled or hoarse voice, drooling and difficulty swallowing.^{[1] [3]} It is important to note that since the introduction of the Hemophilus Influenzae vaccination in many countries, the disease is becoming relatively more common in adults. The child often appears acutely ill, anxious, and has very quiet and 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:^[5][6][7][8]

• 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)
• General malaise and a globus sensation in the throat may be the initial symptom.

References[edit | edit source]