Do I Have Epiglottitis?

Have you delayed or skipped a routine Hib vaccination?

Do you have a severe sore throat that comes on suddenly?

Do you have a high temperature (fever) of 38C or above?

Do you have a muffled or hoarse voice?

Do you have an abnormal, high-pitched sound when breathing in (stridor)?

Do you have shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially when lying down?

Do you have difficulty swallowing?

Do you have drooling and difficulty managing saliva in the mouth?

Do you prefer sitting upright with neck extended and face tilted slightly upward in a "sniffing" position to be able to breathe?

Do you feel anxious or restless?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is a very serious condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a small flap of tissue at the back of the throat that prevents food and drink from entering the windpipe (trachea) and the lungs. The epiglottis stands open during breathing, letting air into the airways, while it closes during swallowing and redirects food into the esophagus and stomach. The proper function of the epiglottis is extremely important. The epiglottis prevents food and drink from entering the windpipe. The presence of food in the airways leads to suffocation.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that refers to inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a small piece of tissue in your throat that stands open during breathing and lets air into the trachea and lungs. The inflamed epiglottis can become so large that it blocks the trachea, making it difficult to breathe. The most common cause of epiglottitis is an infection with bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), which is the same bacterium that causes pneumonia. However, with the development of the Hib vaccine, epiglottitis is rare in vaccinated individuals.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is an inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. It can be caused by various infections, direct injury to your throat or burns from hot liquids. The epiglottis is a piece of tissue located above the trachea (windpipe) that directs the air into the trachea and the food and liquids into the esophagus. The swelling of epiglottis occurs suddenly. The epiglottis may swell so much that it completely or partially blocks the flow of air into the trachea. Epiglottitis is a medical emergency and needs prompt treatment in the hospital.