Disease or Syndrome
epiglottitis
Subclass of:
Supraglottitis
Also called:
Supraglottitis
Definitions related to epiglottitis:
  • Inflammation of the EPIGLOTTIS.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • Epiglottitis is a rapidly progressive bacterial infection of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues that may lead to sudden respiratory obstruction and death. Symptoms include severe sore throat, dysphagia, high fever, drooling, and inspiratory stridor. Diagnosis requires direct visualization of the supraglottic structures, which is not...
    Merck Manuals
    Merck & Co., Inc., 2025
  • Epiglottitis is an acute inflammation in the supraglottic region of the oropharynx with inflammation of the epiglottis, vallecula, arytenoids, and aryepiglottic folds (see the image below). Anecdotally, George Washington probably died of epiglottitis in 1799.
    Medscape
    WebMD, 2025
  • Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the epiglottis - a small cartilage "lid" that covers your windpipe - swells, blocking the flow of air into your lungs.
    Mayo Clinic
    Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2025
  • Epiglottitis is a cellulitis of the supraglottis that has the potential to cause airway compromise and should be treated as a surgical emergency until the airway is examined and secured. Pertinent diagnostic criteria include the classic "tripod" position of the patient, drooling, high fever, and a toxic appearance.
    Epocrates
    Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
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