Epiglottitis
Definition
Epiglottitis is inflammation of the cartilage that covers the trachea (windpipe).
See also: Croup
Symptoms
Epiglottitis begins with a high fever and sore throat. Other symptoms may include:
* Abnormal breathing sounds (stridor)
* Chills, shaking
* Cyanosis (blue skin coloring)
* Drooling
* Difficulty breathing (patient may need to sit upright and lean slightly forward to breathe)
* Difficulty swallowing
* Voice changes (hoarseness)
