Symptoms of EPIGLOTTITIS

Epiglottitis produces a muffled voice or cry. Unlike disorders that it might be confused with, such as croup, there is minimal cough. There is sore throat and pain with swallowing. As the swelling worsens, there can be difficulty swallowing and drooling can occur. When the epiglottis enlarges enough to compromise the airway, breathing difficulty can develop. There may be stridor, which are sounds produced as the air passes through a narrowed passage. The disease, which is most common in children, sometimes causes the person to hold their head in an odd posture. As breathing becomes more difficult, the tongue is stuck out, the nostrils flared and the skin, nails and lips appear dusky or purple. Lack of oxygen can lead to confusion, agitation, stupor and coma.