What Is Epiglottitis?
Epiglottitis is an acute, severe, and very dangerous infection of the epiglottis and the area around the voicebox (larynx). The epiglottis is the flap of tissue that closes off the larynx when one swallows. Epiglottitis is also called supraglottitis. The occurrence of epiglottis has decreased steadily since Haemophilus influenza group b (Hib) vaccine became a routine childhood immunization in the late 1980s. If you believe you have epiglottis, call 911 or visit a doctor immediately. Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. Epiglottitis usually occurs in children between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. Symptoms of Epiglottitis There are many symptoms. The most common symptoms are: • Drooling • Sore throat • Difficulty swallowing • Difficulty breathing • Hoarseness • Chills • Fever • Blue skin What Causes Epiglottitis? The most common cause of epiglottitis is infection with the bacteria called Haemophilus influenza type b, also called HIB. Epiglottis can also be caused by other types of bacte
