The epiglottis is the cartilaginous structure hanging over the entrance to the larynx and covering the vocal cords. Its function is to keep food from passing into the larynx and trachea (i.e., the airway bringing air to the lungs). When the epiglottis becomes inflamed or infected, this condition is known as epiglottitis.
It usually occurs in children between 2 and 7 years of age.
Stridor -- a whistling sound heard in the neck with a stethoscope
Abnormal finding in the lateral neck X-ray (normal in 20% of cases of epiglottitis)
Indirect laryngoscopy (not safe to do in children) shows a swollen, red epiglottis
Children should be taken to the doctor to have the epiglottis viewed with a special type of scope (flexible fiber optic laryngoscope). If they have this condition, they are placed on a ventilator because they are at high risk of having the airway close off.
Keep the child upright.
Intravenous antibiotics such as cefotaxime, cefriaxone, or ampicillin with sulbactam
Administer oxygen and monitor oxygenation
Intubation (place on ventilation machine) if airway is in danger of closing (see above).
This is a life-threatening emergency. This condition can cut off your child's airway and result in suffocation. The patient needs emergency medical treatment -- call 911 immediately.
