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February 10, 2012
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Epiglottitis (cont.)

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When to Seek Medical Care

If epiglottitis is suspected, call 911 for emergency medical services to take the person to a hospital's emergency department for further evaluation by a doctor.

The following combination of signs and symptoms should lead you to contact your doctor or go directly to a hospital's emergency department:

  • Sore throat

  • Muffled voice

  • Fever

  • Inability to swallow

  • Fast heartbeat

  • Irritability

  • Respiratory distress characterized by drooling, shortness of breath, rapid shallow breathing, very ill-looking appearance, upright posturing with tendency to lean forward, and stridor (high-pitched sound when breathing in)

Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. Someone who is suspected of having epiglottitis should be taken to the hospital. Any signs of difficulty in breathing should be reason enough to see a doctor.

If you experience a sudden onset of the following signs and symptoms, go directly to a hospital's emergency department:

  • Sore throat

  • Drooling

  • Inability to speak or swallow

  • Muffled voice

  • Fever

  • Fast heart rate

  • Respiratory distress, such as stridor, short shallow breathing, fast breathing, or blue discoloration to the skin
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Epiglottitis - Symptoms

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What were the symptoms of your epiglottitis?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Epiglottitis »

Epiglottitis, also termed supraglottitis or epiglottiditis, is an inflammation of structures above the insertion of the glottis.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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