The symptoms of epiglottitis usually develop quickly and get rapidly worse.
Symptoms include:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or above
- a severe sore throat
- difficulty and pain when swallowing (dysphagia) - most children refuse to eat because of the pain
- difficulty breathing
- breathing that sounds abnormal and high pitched
- bluish tinged skin (cyanosis)
- muffled voice
- drooling saliva
When to seek medical advice
Any situation in which a person suddenly develops breathing difficulties should be regarded as a medical emergency.
Dial 999 to request an ambulance if your child is having problems breathing.
While waiting for an ambulance do not attempt to examine your child's throat, place anything inside their mouth or lay them on their back because this may make their symptoms worse.
