Epiglottitis

How is the condition diagnosed?

A person with severe sore throat, high fever, and problems breathing may have epiglottitis. Fever and the type of breathing noises are observed. Drooling, leaning forward, and breathing slowly and shallowly are other clues. Adults may need a throat and mouth examination. This is not done in children, because the throat examination can cause worsening of the breathing problems. X-rays of the neck may be needed. For adults, a mirror examination of the top part of the larynx may be done. A flexible telescope placed through the nose can identify the swollen epiglottis.