Health Encyclopedia

Epiglottitis

Definition

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the cartilage that covers the trachea (windpipe).

Alternative Names

Supraglottitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Epiglottitis is a life-threatening disease. The epiglottis is a piece of cartilage at the back of the tongue that closes off the windpipe when swallowing. It keeps food from entering the airways, so you don't cough or choke after swallowing.

Epiglottitis causes swelling of the epiglottis, which leads to breathing problems. Swelling of the epiglottis is usually caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae), although it may be caused by other bacteria or viruses. Upper respiratory infections can lead to epiglottitis. Medicines or diseases that weaken the immune system can make adults more prone to epiglottitis.

Epiglottitis is most common in children between 2 and 6 years old. Rarely, epiglottitis can occur in adults, and it may be easily overlooked in such patients.

The occurrence of epiglottitis has decreased steadily in the United States since the H. influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine became a routine childhood immunization in the late 1980s.

Symptoms

Epiglottitis begins with a high fever and sore throat. 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)

Signs and tests

Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical help. Do not use a tongue depressor (tongue blade) to try to examine the throat at home, as this may make the condition worse.

The health care provider will examine the voice box (larynx) using either a small mirror held against the back of the throat or a viewing tube called a laryngoscope. (See: laryngoscopy) The exam may show a swollen and red epiglottis.

Tests used to diagnose epiglottitis may include:

Blood culture or throat culture -- may show H. influenzae or other bacteria
Complete blood count (CBC) -- may show a high number of white blood cells
Neck x-rays -- may show a swollen epiglottis

Treatment

The patient will be admitted to the hospital, usually an intensive care unit (ICU).

Treatment may include methods to help the patient breathe, including:

Moistened (humidified) oxygen
Breathing tube (intubation)

Other treatments may include:

Fluids given through a vein (by IV)
Antibiotics to treat the infection
Anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids to decrease throat swelling

Expectations (prognosis)

Epiglottitis can be a life-threatening emergency. However, with proper treatment, the outcome is usually good.

Complications

Spasm may cause the airway to close abruptly. In this case, death follows within minutes.

The airway may become totally blocked, which could result in death.

Calling your health care provider

Call the local emergency number (such as 911) if your child has symptoms of epiglottitis, including sudden breathing difficulties, excessive drooling, and irritability.

Prevention

The bacterial infection that causes epiglottitis is contagious, so family members should be screened and treated if appropriate. Have your children immunized with the Hib vaccine.

References

Sobol SE. Epiglottitis and Croup. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. June 2008; 41(3); 551-566.

Alcaide ML. Pharyngitis and epiglottitis. Infect Dis Clin North Am. June 2007; 21(2): 449-69, vii.

Review Date:6/3/2008
Reviewed By:Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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