Epiglottitis

What Is It?

The epiglottis is the flap of tissue located just above the windpipe (trachea) that directs the flow of air and food in the throat. When we breathe, the epiglottis moves to allow air into the lungs. When we eat, the epiglottis covers the top of the windpipe, so that food goes into the swallowing tube (esophagus), and not into the lungs.

Epiglottitis is a rare, but potentially life-threatening infection. It causes swelling of the epiglottis, which often worsens rapidly, sometimes within hours. Without timely treatment, the epiglottis can become so large that it blocks the windpipe, interfering with breathing. This can cause death.

Epiglottitis can occur at any age. Until 1985, epiglottitis occurred most commonly in children aged 3 to 7, but with the development of a vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), epiglottitis is now increasingly rare in children in the United States.

Symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of epiglottitis include:

• Severe sore throat that comes on suddenly

• Fever

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially when lying down

• Drooling and difficulty managing saliva in the mouth

• A loud sound heard when breathing in (called stridor)

• Difficulty swallowing

• Muffled voice