HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes A Swollen Uvula In A Child?

default
Posted on Tue, 16 Aug 2016
Question: Is epiglottitis the same as a swollen Uvula? My son as a child had a bad case of an infected uvula, and as an adult that is his weak spot when he gets sick. I know there is an immunization shot for epiglottitis Hib? Should he talk to his doc about getting it?
YYYY@YYYY


doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
it's not the same

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

epiglottis is not the same structure... A swollen uvula is very common in pharyngitis/tonsillitis and it's not dangerous. Epiglottitis may cause suffocation to the patient because the airway (the entrance of the trachea) may become obstructed by the swollen epiglottis. This is a disease of the infants mostly. Haemophilus is the causative agent and there is indeed a vaccine for it. Your son may do the vaccine although he's not in danger for such infections and vaccination is not imperative unless he has asplenia (surgically removed the spleen) or is immunocompromised (transplanted patient, etc). Haemophilus may cause various respiratory (and other systems') tract infections though.

I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3814 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes A Swollen Uvula In A Child?

Brief Answer: it's not the same Detailed Answer: Hello, epiglottis is not the same structure... A swollen uvula is very common in pharyngitis/tonsillitis and it's not dangerous. Epiglottitis may cause suffocation to the patient because the airway (the entrance of the trachea) may become obstructed by the swollen epiglottis. This is a disease of the infants mostly. Haemophilus is the causative agent and there is indeed a vaccine for it. Your son may do the vaccine although he's not in danger for such infections and vaccination is not imperative unless he has asplenia (surgically removed the spleen) or is immunocompromised (transplanted patient, etc). Haemophilus may cause various respiratory (and other systems') tract infections though. I hope it helps! Kind Regards!