health

Epiglottitis is a medical emergency that must be treated in a hospital.
Ensuring that the person is able to breathe is the first and most important
response. Often a procedure called intubation (in-too-BAY-shun) is
performed, in which a tube is inserted into the windpipe through the
mouth or nose to ensure that air can continue to flow into the lungs. In
some cases, an emergency tracheostomy must be performed to bypass
the blocked part of the person’s airway.
Doctors usually diagnose epiglottitis based on a physical examination
and the patient’s medical history. If the diagnosis is not clear, a doctor
may order an x-ray of the neck that will show if the epiglottis is swollen.
Blood cultures or other blood tests may be used to confirm that the person
has a bacterial or viral infection.
Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are usually given to combat the infection
that led to epiglottitis. Corticosteroid medication is sometimes given to
further reduce the swelling of the upper airway so the person can breathe
more easily.