Epiglottitis symptoms usually appear suddenly and get worse quickly. Sometimes, in older children and adults, it may take a few days for symptoms to fully develop. The most common epiglottitis symptoms include: Severe sore throat. Difficulty and pain when swallowing (a main symptom in older children and adults). Difficulty breathing (a main symptom in children). Abnormal or high-pitched breathing noises (a main symptom in children). Hoarseness or muffled voice. Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher. Irritability and restlessness. Drooling (a main symptom in older children and adults).