Sore throat with a muffled voice

You may have some changes in your voice when you have a sore throat. Usually these changes go away as your sore throat goes away. Laryngitis can often change your voice.

However, a muffled voice may mean that you are developing a more serious problem, such as epiglottitis or an abscess near the tonsils (peritonsillar abscess). Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of tissue over the opening to the large breathing tube leading to the lungs (trachea). This flap of tissue closes when a person swallows to prevent food and fluids from getting into the breathing tubes. Epiglottitis is more common in adults than in children but may be more serious in children.

When the epiglottis becomes inflamed and swollen, it can rapidly block the breathing tube. Epiglottitis generally begins suddenly, without a previous upper respiratory infection or cough. Symptoms may include:

• Difficult or noisy breathing (stridor).
• A high fever.
• Drooling and difficulty swallowing.
• A muffled voice.
• Difficulty lying down. A child with epiglottitis usually prefers to sit up and lean forward with his or her head and jaw forward to breathe.

Most cases of bacterial epiglottitis in children are caused by Haemophilus influenzae. This infection can be prevented with the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. In adults, bacterial epiglottitis is usually caused by a strep infection.

A child with epiglottitis appears very sick and in distress. If your child has symptoms of epiglottitis, seek emergency care.