Acute Epiglottitis

Overview

Acute epiglottitis is an acute inflammation of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues, most often caused by bacterial infection. It presents with severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and can rapidly progress to life-threatening airway obstruction.

Symptoms

• Severe sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Muffled voice

Treatment

This is an emergency requiring adequate antibiotics and corticosteroids, with close airway monitoring; tracheotomy is performed promptly in severe cases.

Dietary advice

Take a liquid or semi-liquid diet during the acute phase, drink plenty of fluids, and eat light food avoiding spicy irritants during recovery.