Wellness Tips from Josef Schenker, MD
Welcome to our Wellness Tips blog series, where we bring you practical health advice straight from the desk of Dr. Josef Schenker, Medical Director at Centers Urgent Care. With years of experience in internal medicine and emergency medical services, Dr. Schenker is passionate about helping you live a healthier, safer life.
Each post in this series covers important health topics, sharing expert advice to help you prevent common illnesses and manage your well-being with confidence. Dr. Schenker’s goal is simple: to empower you with knowledge, so you can make informed choices about your health every day.
Managing Epiglottis Infection
While epiglottis infection might not be a household term, it’s a condition that deserves serious attention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), although rare, cases of epiglottitis affect approximately 1 to 4 adults per 100,000 every year in the United States. It’s much less common in children today, thanks to widespread vaccination efforts, but when it occurs, it can quickly become life-threatening if not properly managed.
Recognizing the signs early and seeking immediate medical help can be life-saving. That’s why understanding how to manage an epiglottis infection is so important.
Dr. Josef Schenker Explains What is Epiglottis Infection
The epiglottis is a small, flap-like structure made of cartilage, located at the base of your tongue. Its main job? To act like a lid, preventing food and liquids from going down your windpipe when you swallow. Think of it as a smart gatekeeper for your airway.
Josef Schenker, MD explains that when the epiglottis becomes infected and inflamed, it can swell dramatically, blocking airflow to your lungs. This condition is called epiglottitis, and it can escalate quickly, making breathing difficult—or even impossible—without urgent medical attention.
Understanding what causes this infection is the first step in preventing and managing it properly.
Causes of Epiglottitis
Several factors can lead to an epiglottis infection. Here’s what Dr. Josef Schenker wants you to be aware of:
- Bacterial Infections: The most common cause is a bacterial infection, especially from Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). Thankfully, vaccinations have greatly reduced Hib infections, but it’s still a cause among unvaccinated individuals.
- Other Bacterial Strains: Other bacteria, like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, can also infect the epiglottis, leading to swelling and inflammation.
- Viral Infections: In some cases, viruses like varicella-zoster (chickenpox) or influenza can cause irritation and infection of the epiglottis.
- Injury to the Throat: Physical trauma, such as burns (like drinking something too hot) or direct injury, can inflame and damage the epiglottis.
- Smoking or Substance Use: Using drugs that are inhaled or chronic smoking can irritate the throat lining, increasing the risk of infection.
Symptoms of Epiglottitis
Recognizing the symptoms of epiglottitis early can be life-saving. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Severe Sore Throat: Despite the pain, the throat may look relatively normal upon a glance, making the severity deceptive.
- Difficulty Breathing: As swelling worsens, breathing becomes labored and noisy—this is a medical emergency.
- High Fever: The body’s natural response to infection, often spiking suddenly.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Swallowing food, liquids, or even saliva can become painful or nearly impossible.
- Drooling: The inability to swallow saliva properly often results in persistent drooling.
- Muffled or Hoarse Voice: The swelling affects the vocal cords, causing changes in the voice.
- Stridor (High-pitched Breathing Sound): A distinct, high-pitched sound heard during inhalation—a key warning sign that the airway is narrowing.
If you or someone you know shows these symptoms, Dr Josef Schenker reiterates that it’s crucial to act fast.
Josef Schenker, MD, Explains How to Manage Epiglottis Infection
Josef Schenker, MD emphasizes that if you experience any of the above symptoms, immediate diagnosis and treatment are critical. Because the airway can close quickly, epiglottitis is considered a medical emergency.
To diagnose epiglottitis, doctors often start with a physical examination focusing on breathing and throat symptoms. Laryngoscopy (a look down the throat with a camera) or imaging tests like X-rays may also be used carefully to confirm swelling without causing additional stress.
Once diagnosed, here’s how epiglottitis is managed:
- Airway Management
The very first priority in treating epiglottitis is to make sure the airway stays open. Doctors often start with oxygen therapy to help improve breathing. In more severe cases, a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) may be inserted carefully to keep the airway unobstructed. If intubation isn’t possible due to swelling, an emergency procedure called a tracheostomy—creating a small opening in the neck to insert a breathing tube—may be necessary. Early intervention can be life-saving, which is why quick action is so important. - Antibiotic Therapy
Because bacterial infection is often the culprit behind epiglottitis, treatment usually includes strong intravenous (IV) antibiotics. These medications work to quickly eliminate the infection, reduce inflammation, and prevent the spread of bacteria to other parts of the body. The faster antibiotics are started, the better the chance of a smooth recovery. - Hospitalization
Due to the serious risk of sudden airway blockage, most patients with epiglottitis are hospitalized for close observation. Many are admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where the medical team can monitor breathing, oxygen levels, and overall stability minute-by-minute. Being in a hospital ensures that immediate life-saving interventions are available if symptoms worsen. - Steroid Medications
To help reduce dangerous swelling around the throat and airway, corticosteroids are often given alongside antibiotics. These medications work by calming the body’s immune response, allowing the airway to open more fully and easing breathing. The goal is to relieve pressure quickly and reduce the need for more invasive airway procedures. - Avoid Agitation
One of the often-overlooked but critical parts of care is keeping the patient calm. Anxiety, crying, or panic can cause the throat muscles to tighten even more, worsening airway obstruction. That’s why patients are encouraged to sit upright, remain still, and stay as relaxed as possible, with minimal physical activity or excitement until the airway is secured.
Preventing Epiglottis Infection
According to Josef Schenker, MD, while you can’t always prevent every infection, there are important steps you can take to significantly lower your risk:
- Get Vaccinated
One of the most effective ways to prevent epiglottitis is by getting vaccinated, especially against Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)—the most common bacterial cause. Staying up-to-date with all recommended vaccines not only protects you but also helps safeguard your community against preventable infections. - Practice Good Hygiene
Since bacteria and viruses can easily spread through close contact, good hygiene habits are key. Washing your hands thoroughly and often, especially before eating or touching your face, can significantly lower your risk. It’s also smart to avoid close contact with people who are sick to prevent catching or spreading infections. - Avoid Smoking
Smoking weakens and damages the sensitive tissues of your throat and respiratory system, making them more vulnerable to infections like epiglottitis. If you smoke, quitting can dramatically reduce your risk—not just for this infection, but for a wide range of serious health issues. Even avoiding secondhand smoke exposure can help protect your airway health. - Protect Your Throat
Your throat is more delicate than you might think. Be cautious when eating or drinking very hot foods and beverages, as burns can irritate or damage your epiglottis. If you’re involved in activities that pose a risk of injury (like contact sports or certain types of work), wearing appropriate protective gear can help prevent trauma that could lead to inflammation or infection.
Josef Schenker, MD, Answers Frequently Asked Questions:
If you suspect epiglottitis, keep the person as calm and upright as possible to ease breathing. Do not attempt to examine their throat yourself. Call emergency services immediately and seek urgent medical help, as airway obstruction can develop very quickly.
No, epiglottitis rarely heals on its own and requires urgent medical intervention. Without prompt treatment, the infection can quickly worsen and block the airway. Medical care, usually involving antibiotics and airway support, is also essential to prevent life-threatening complications.
Yes, epiglottitis is absolutely a medical emergency. The condition can cause the airway to swell and close rapidly, which can lead to suffocation. Immediate evaluation and treatment by healthcare professionals are crucial to securing the airway and preventing potentially fatal outcomes.
Epiglottitis Symptoms? Seek Immediate Care!
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of epiglottitis, don’t wait—seek medical attention immediately. Every second matters when it comes to airway protection.
At Centers Urgent Care, under the leadership of Dr. Josef Schenker, you’ll find a team of highly qualified healthcare professionals ready to provide swift, expert care. We are committed to making sure you and your family stay safe, healthy, and well-informed.
Visit any of our New York locations today—because when it comes to your health, you deserve the very best care.
About Josef Schenker, MD:
Dr. Josef Schenker, a board-certified expert in internal medicine and emergency medical services, brings extensive experience and compassion to his role as Medical Director and Partner at Centers Urgent Care. With leadership in SeniorCare Emergency Medical Services and as an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Dr. Schenker oversees critical care and treatment protocols across varied medical needs. His dedication extends to chairing NYC REMAC, ensuring adherence to state standards in emergency medical procedures. At Centers Urgent Care, Dr. Schenker's expertise ensures prompt, high-quality emergency care for patients of all ages, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated pediatric suite.
