Epiglottitis most often develops when resistance is reduced by cold, exertion, and acute infection of adjacent tissues. It can also occur secondary to trauma to the larynx, foreign body injury, burns from harmful gases and drugs. It may be characterized by significant pain in the pharynx, increased swallowing, or difficulty in swallowing, accompanied by fever, general malaise, and muscle aches. Some of the more serious patients may also develop inspiratory dyspnea, and the symptoms are usually more severe in infants and children, who may rapidly develop dyspnea and cyanosis, respiratory failure or even asphyxia. However, because the infection does not usually involve the vocal cords, there is no hoarseness and pronunciation is mostly normal. The pharynx can be seen to be congested and swollen in the epiglottis. In severe cases, the epiglottis may swell into a small ball shape, and there may be abscess formation and yellow-white pus spots.
Epiglottitis is mostly caused by a mixture of viruses, B. influenzae, staphylococci, streptococci and other bacteria. For treatment, adequate antibiotics and glucocorticoids are usually applied promptly. Local nebulized inhalation with drugs is used to dilute sputum, keep the airway moist and anti-infection.
Acute epiglottitis can cause life-threatening respiratory distress, and such patients should be closely monitored for changes in their condition. If anti-inflammatory administration of oxygen does not improve, tracheotomy should be performed to prevent asphyxia and life-threatening conditions.