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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffIf the medical team suspects that you have epiglottitis, the first priority is to ensure your airways are open and you're receiving enough oxygen.
Once your condition is stable, the doctor may examine your throat using a flexible fiber-optic tube. A local anesthetic can help relieve any discomfort. Sometimes you may have a chest or neck X-ray as well. Because of the danger of sudden breathing problems, children may have X-rays taken at their bedside rather than in the radiology department — but only after the airway is protected.
You're also likely to have a blood test and throat culture. For the culture, your epiglottis is wiped with a cotton swab and the tissue sample is checked for Hib. Blood cultures are usually taken because sepsis — a severe infection — often accompanies epiglottitis.
