What are accompanying symptoms?

The inflammation of the epiglottis is primarily manifested in more or less severe sore throat. This is due to the local swelling of the mucous membrane, which leads to excessive tension of the surface. If the mucosa now comes into contact with the mucosa of the surrounding throat during the act of swallowing, this leads to a painful sensation by further pressure on the tissue.

The further the swelling progresses, the more it has an additional effect on speech. For those affected, this manifests itself in clumsy speech. No hoarseness is to be expected, since the vocal folds are not affected by the infection.

Further symptoms can be increased salivation and a breathing sound during inspiration (inhalation). The salivation can be explained by the local irritation of the mucous membrane. Reactive salivary glands in the throat area become sensitized and produce more secretion.

Those affected therefore have the feeling that they have to swallow more often. The sound of breathing is again caused by the narrowing of the airway. It can vary from a whistling to a hissing sound.

The perception of a breath sound is an indication of the danger of the swelling. At the latest then, affected persons should seek medical advice. Depending on the general condition of the patient, an elevated temperature or fever may also occur. This is due to the reaction of the immune system to the pathogen.

Treatment and therapy

Therapy for epiglottitis depends on the severity of the symptoms. However, the treating physician will always prescribe an antibiotic as the cornerstone of the therapy. This is based on the concern that a progression of the infection could lead to obstruction of the airways.

If there are only mild symptoms besides the inflammation, a purely symptomatic therapy with additional antipyretic and analgesic medication is sufficient.However, if there is a pronounced sound of breathing or even difficult breathing, hospitalization is indicated. Children in particular are at high risk of a narrowing of the airways, as the diameter of their airways is simply smaller. Here, swelling quickly means the development of shortness of breath.

Depending on the severity of the swelling, even short-term ventilation may be indicated to keep the airways clear. In such drastic disease progressions, glucocorticoids such as cortisone are also given to control the symptoms. In most cases, however, timely administration of antibiotics and good observation of the affected person is sufficient.