Ways To Prevent And Treat Epiglottitis

Don't Share Personal Items

Because epiglottitis is often caused by infection, it is important to minimize contact with clothing or other items that may potentially carry infection. Don't share personal items with individuals known to be sick, especially those sick with the previously mentioned viruses known to cause epiglottitis. While it may be an easy feat for adults, school-aged children may have a bit more difficulty with this.

It is important to remind children not to share clothing and other personal items and if their items are borrowed a good rule of thumb is to run them through the wash when the item is returned. Children's toys should be washed in hot water after visitors or playdates to minimize the risk of infection and possible epiglottitis.

Course Of Antibiotics

Patients diagnosed with epiglottitis will generally undergo a course of antibiotics, which will help fight the bacteria causing the illness and swelling. Because there is an increased risk of choking when swallowing, antibiotics will need to be administered intravenously. Before administering antibiotics, physicians will typically run blood tests to determine the exact cause of the infection.

The length of time a patient will need to be treated with antibiotics depends on how severe the infection is and how long it takes for the inflammation to decrease. When caught early, antibiotics typically begin to work within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. More severe cases can take up to a week.