Treatment of Epiglottitis
The treatment of epiglottitis is a medical emergency that focuses on securing the airway, fighting infection, and reducing inflammation. Because epiglottitis can cause sudden and complete airway blockage, treatment must begin as soon as the condition is suspected—often before confirmation.
Airway Management
The first and most urgent priority is to ensure the patient can breathe. In most cases:
The patient is taken to an operating theatre or intensive care unit
An anaesthetist or ENT specialist carefully performs intubation, placing a breathing tube through the mouth into the windpipe
In extreme cases where intubation isn’t possible, a tracheostomy (a surgical opening in the neck) is performed to bypass the swollen epiglottis
Doctors perform this step under controlled conditions to prevent airway collapse.
Hospital Admission and Monitoring
Doctors admit all patients with epiglottitis to hospital for continuous observation. Doctors usually place children in an intensive care unit for close monitoring and give oxygen if needed.
Antibiotic Therapy
Once they secure the airway, doctors start IV antibiotics to treat the underlying bacterial infection. The most commonly used antibiotics include:
Ceftriaxone or cefuroxime for broad-spectrum coverage
Doctors may add vancomycin to treatment if they suspect MRSA
Treatment usually lasts for 7–10 days, starting with IV medication and possibly switching to oral antibiotics once stable
Anti-Inflammatory Treatment
Doctors may give corticosteroids to reduce swelling and speed up recovery. Although some debate their use, doctors often recommend corticosteroids in severe cases or when intubation has been difficult.
Fluids and Nutrition
While the patient cannot eat or drink due to the swollen airway, IV fluids provide hydration. Once the swelling reduces and doctors remove the tube, they gradually introduce soft foods.
Treatment of Epiglottitis In South Africa
In South Africa, availability of intensive care units and ENT support varies by region. Some rural hospitals stabilise the patient and then transfer them to better-equipped urban centres. Public awareness and early intervention by clinic staff remain key to survival.
The treatment of epiglottitis is almost always successful if given promptly. Most patients recover within a few days to a week if they receive timely and appropriate care.
[Next: Complications of Epiglottitis →]
