Epiglottitis in Children
Epiglottitis is swelling and inflammation of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a small flap of tissue at the back of the tongue. This tissue flap stops food and liquid from going down the windpipe while you eat or drink.
A swollen epiglottis can block air from going into the windpipe. This can make it hard to breathe.
Epiglottitis is an emergency. Do not wait for your child to get better. Get help right away.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
- Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s doctor.
- If your child was prescribed an antibiotic medicine, give it as told by your child’s doctor.Do notstop giving the antibiotic even if your child starts to feel better.
- Talk with your child’s doctor about getting a vaccine called the Hib vaccine if your child has not already had this.
Lifestyle
- Have your child drink enough liquid to keep his or her pee (urine) clear or pale yellow.
- Place a humidifier in your child’s room to use at night.
- Make sure that your child washes his or her hands often. Wash your hands often, too. If there is no soap and water, use hand sanitizer. Make sure that all people in your household wash their hands as well.
General instructions
- Tell your child’s doctor if your child goes to daycare or if you have other young children in your home. They may need treatment.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s doctor. This is important.
Contact a doctor if:
- Your child has a fever.
- Your child has a sore throat that is getting worse.
Get help right away if:
- Your child who is younger than 3 months has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher.
- Your
child makes noises when breathing, such as:
- Squeaking.
- Wheezing.
- Your child has trouble swallowing.
- Your child is drooling.
- Your child’s voice sounds quieter or muffled.
- Your child has trouble breathing.
Epiglottitis is an emergency. Do not wait for your child to get better. Seek help right away.
