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A Few Sore Throats That Kill: What You Need to Know!

By: Sara Levin, NP-C



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Epiglottitis: The Airway Emergency

 

What it is: Severe inflammation of the epiglottis - the flap that covers your windpipe when you swallow

 Why it's deadly: Your airway can close completely within hours

 

The classic presentation:

  • Difficulty swallowing - even your own saliva becomes impossible

  • Muffled voice - sounds like speaking with a hot potato in your mouth

  • Drooling -

  • High fever (usually >101°F)

  • Tripod position - sitting upright, leaning forward on hands

 

🚨 EMERGENCY ACTION: Call 911 immediately. Do NOT lie down. Do NOT try to look in the throat with a flashlight - this can trigger complete airway obstruction.

 

Peritonsillar Abscess: The "Hot Potato" Emergency

 

What it is: A collection of pus behind the tonsils that can block your airway

 Why it's dangerous: Can cause sudden airway obstruction or rupture, causing aspiration pneumonia

 

Critical warning signs:

  • Severe one-sided throat pain - much worse than typical strep throat

  • "Hot potato voice" - muffled, thick speech pattern

  • Trismus - can't open mouth more than 1-2 finger widths

  • Uvula deviation - the thing hanging in your throat is pushed to one side

  • Neck swelling on the affected side

  • Fever and severe malaise

 

🚨 EMERGENCY ACTION: Immediate medical attention required. This needs IV antibiotics and possible surgical drainage.

 

Retropharyngeal Abscess: The Hidden Killer

 

What it is: Deep infection in the space behind the throat

 

Why it's lethal: Can rupture into the airway or spread to the chest cavity

 

Danger signs:

  • Severe neck pain - especially with movement

  • Difficulty swallowing - liquids may come out the nose

  • Stiff neck - can't move head normally

  • Muffled voice combined with neck symptoms

  • High fever with rapid deterioration

  • Respiratory distress - difficulty breathing

 

🚨 EMERGENCY ACTION: This is a surgical emergency. Call 911 - do not drive yourself.


WHEN IN DOUBT GO TO THE ER

If you DON'T have these symptoms, virtual urgent care or urgent care can be used.



 

 

 
 
 

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