Epiglottitis facts for kids

Epiglottitis is a serious condition where a small flap in your throat, called the epiglottis, gets swollen. Think of the epiglottis like a tiny trapdoor at the back of your tongue. Its job is super important: it closes over your trachea (that's your windpipe) every time you swallow. This stops food and drinks from accidentally going into your lungs, which would be very dangerous.

When the epiglottis swells up, it can block your windpipe, making it very hard to breathe. Because of this, epiglottitis is always considered a medical emergency that needs immediate help.

What to Look For (Symptoms)

Epiglottitis often affects children, but it can happen to anyone. If someone has epiglottitis, they might show these signs:

• Fever: Their body temperature might be higher than normal.
• Trouble Swallowing: It can be painful or difficult to swallow food or even spit.
• Drooling: Because swallowing is hard, they might drool more than usual.
• Noisy Breathing: You might hear a high-pitched, squeaky sound when they breathe in. This sound is called stridor.

If you or someone you know shows these symptoms, especially if they are having trouble breathing, it's a serious situation. You must get to an emergency room at a hospital right away. Doctors and nurses there know exactly what to do to help.

See also

In Spanish: Epiglotitis para niños

Images for kids

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  CT imaging showing the "halloween sign"

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  Left column: Normal epiglottis. Right column: Epiglottitis.