Epiglottitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Epiglottitis is swelling of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is the flap of tissue at the back of your tongue. The epiglottis opens when you breathe and closes when you swallow so that no food goes down your airway. Epiglottitis is commonly caused by a bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). It can also happen when you breathe in steam, certain chemicals, or smoke from a fire. When the epiglottis swells, it can block your airway. This can cause problems breathing and in severe cases can block your breathing completely. This condition is a medical emergency.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection.
- Steroids help decrease swelling in your airway.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Ask your healthcare provider about the Hib vaccine:
Ask your healthcare provider if you need the Hib vaccine. This vaccine helps prevent Hib infection and problems such as epiglottitis. The Hib vaccine may be given to an adult who did not get the vaccine during childhood. It may also be given to an adult who has risk factors for infection. Risk factors include sickle cell disease, HIV infection, chemotherapy treatment, or a bone marrow transplant.
Prevent the spread of infection:
Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Wash your hands after you cough, sneeze, or use the bathroom. Ask your healthcare provider if other family or household members need antibiotic medicine to prevent infection.
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Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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