Symptoms of Epiglottitis
The symptoms of epiglottitis often come on suddenly and worsen quickly. Since epiglottitis can lead to complete airway blockage, recognising the signs early is essential. In many cases, symptoms may seem like a sore throat or flu at first, but they escalate into a medical emergency within hours.
In Children
Children typically present with:
High fever, often above 38.5°C
Severe sore throat, with difficulty swallowing
Drooling, as it becomes painful or impossible to swallow saliva
Muffled or hoarse voice
Stridor, a high-pitched wheezing sound when breathing in
Rapid, shallow breathing
Tripod position, where the child leans forward with mouth open, chin up, and hands on knees—this helps keep the airway open
Anxiety or distress, as the child becomes aware of breathing difficulties
Coughing is often minimal or absent, which helps distinguish epiglottitis from croup or other respiratory infections.
In Adults
Adults may experience:
Severe sore throat and neck pain
Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
Fever and chills
Voice changes, including hoarseness or muffling
Shortness of breath
Difficulty speaking
Drooling, especially in severe cases
Swollen neck or tenderness in the throat area
While adult cases may progress more slowly than in children, airway obstruction is still a real risk and must be treated urgently.
Warning Signs of Airway Blockage
Seek emergency care immediately if any of the following are present:
Gasping or noisy breathing
Bluish lips or fingertips (cyanosis)
Inability to lie flat
Severe restlessness or confusion
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Symptoms of Epiglottitis In South Africa
In South Africa, delayed access to emergency care—especially in rural clinics—can be dangerous for patients with epiglottitis. Prompt referral and emergency transport are essential. Parents and caregivers must be taught to identify symptoms quickly and never delay seeking help for a child with breathing difficulties.
Recognising the symptoms of epiglottitis early and acting fast can prevent a fatal airway emergency. Immediate hospital treatment is always required.
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