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Clinical findings of apprehension, anxiety, sitting up with chin pushed forward and significant inspiratory difficulties.
A patient with epiglottitis may have a fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing.
Lateral neck x-ray can establish the diagnosis, but is rarely needed to do so.
It is mainly caused by Haemophilus influenzae bacteria.
It is considered a medical emergency, because of the risk of obstruction of the pharynx.
Managed with antibiotics, epinephrine bronchodilator that is delivered by aerosol, and may require tracheal intubation or a tracheostomy if breathing is difficult.
Vaccination against H. Influenzae has resulted in a lower incidence of epiglottitis and lower mortality associated with epiglottitis and pneumonia in children.