Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is an inflammation of the epiglottis, the flap of skin at the back of the throat that covers the windpipe when swallowing. It commonly occurs in young children. Symptoms of epiglottitis include fever, a severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, muffled voice, and no cough. Epiglottitis is treated through antibiotics, humidified oxygen, and steroids to reduce swelling. This is because it may be a medical emergency if the epiglottis swells up enough to obstruct the airways.

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