How is epiglottitis diagnosed?
Because of the severity of the disease and the need for immediate intervention, the diagnosis is usually made on physical appearance and a thorough medical history. At this point, if epiglottitis is suspected, the child will immediately be transferred to the hospital. As the disease continues, there is a chance of the child’s entire airway becoming occluded, (blocked), which can make the child stop breathing. At the hospital, the following additional tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis: • x-ray of the neck – a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. • blood tests • visualization of the airway – visualization of the airway, under optimal safety conditions by a surgeon in the operating room, may be necessary.
