Epiglottitis Health Article

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:

• Breathing tube (intubation)
• Moistened (humidified) oxygen

Other treatments may include:

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

Expectations (prognosis)

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

Complications

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

The airways 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

Immunization with the Hib vaccine protects children from epiglottitis.

The bacterial infection that causes epiglottitis is contagious, so family members should be screened and treated if appropriate.

References

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

Alcaide ML. Pharyngitis and epiglottitis. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2007;21(2):449-469.