What is epiglottitis?
Epiglottitis is inflammation and swelling of the larynx. In a large percentage of clinical cases, the cause is a bacterial infection.
This diagnosis belongs to the category of emergency, that is, urgent emergency care, treatment is required. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear.
Usually, symptoms appear suddenly and quickly worsen, progress.
The following signs are characteristic:
- Acute sore throat;
- Difficulty swallowing and pain when swallowing;
- Shortness of breath;
- Unusual sound when breathing;
- High fever;
- Irritability and restlessness;
- Salivation.
The causes of epiglottitis are:
- Bacterial infection;
- Fungal infection;
- Viral infection;
- Trauma to the throat;
- Tobacco;
- Chemical burns;
- Side effects of other diseases, etc.
Is it contagious?
It can be!
If the cause of epiglottitis is a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, it is quite possible that it can be transmitted from one person to another through droplets of saliva or mucus.
If a person develops epiglottitis due to trauma or tobacco use, then it is not contagious.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17844-epiglottitis
