Etymed
epiglottitis
Definition
inflammation of the epiglottis, the flap of tissue that covers the windpipe during swallowing
Clinical context
A 3-year-old child presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, drooling, and a high fever. The child is sitting upright and leaning forward, appearing anxious and in respiratory distress. On examination, the epiglottis is markedly swollen and erythematous. The most likely diagnosis is epiglottitis, a medical emergency requiring immediate airway management.
Mnemonic
EPIC - Easy to swallow, Painful, Inflamed, Cough, and Dysphagia