At this point, if epiglottitis is suspected, the child will immediately be transferred to the hospital. The child s airway will be closely monitored, and, if needed, the child's breathing will be assisted with machines. This will help treat the infection by the bacteria. How well the child recovers from this disease is related to how quickly treatment begins in the hospital setting. Once the child is being monitored, the airway is safe, and antibiotics are started, the disease usually stops progressing within 24 hours.
Complete recovery takes longer and depends on each child s condition.
As mentioned above, epiglottitis caused by the bacteria HIB can be prevented with vaccines that start at the age of 2 months. Epiglottitis caused by other organisms cannot be prevented at this time, but are much less common. If a child is diagnosed with epiglottitis, the child s family or other close contacts are usually treated with a medication called Rifampin, to prevent the disease in those people who might have been exposed. Click here to view the Online Resources page of this Web. Copyright 2000 Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.