Q: Who should I consult for symptoms of airway obstruction?
A: Airway obstruction and difficulty in breathing is a medical emergency and the patient should be taken to the emergency room.
Q: Is epiglottitis rare in adults?
A: As compared to children this condition is rare in adults
Q: Is this a life-threatening condition?
A: This is a life threatening condition if not treated early as it may result in respiratory failure and cardiac arrest due to blocking of the respiratory airway.
Q: What is the difference between epiglottitis and croup?
A: Epiglottitis is caused by swelling of the epiglottis due to infectious or inflammatory causes, while croup is caused due to the swelling and inflammation of the larynx.
Q: How do I know if I have epiglottitis?
A: If you are suffering from fever, sore throat, which is accompanied by painful swallowing that causes drooling of saliva and a difficulty in breathing with sounds while breathing and change in voice then you will need to consult the general physician to ascertain this condition. Further investigations like routine blood investigations, blood culture and Neck X-ray will be required to confirm the diagnosis.
