What is epiglottitis and how dangerous is it?

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What is epiglottitis and how dangerous is it?​

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis. This is the tissue that covers the trachea (windpipe). Epiglottitis can be a life-threatening disease. The epiglottis is a stiff, yet flexible tissue (called cartilage) at the back of the tongue. It closes your windpipe (trachea) when you swallow so food does not enter your airway.
What is the function of the epiglottis?
The epiglottis is a stiff, yet flexible tissue (called cartilage) at the back of the tongue. It closes your windpipe (trachea) when you swallow so food does not enter your airway. This helps prevent coughing or choking after swallowing.
What are the treatment options for epiglottitis?
Immunization with the Hib vaccine is an effective way to prevent epiglottitis caused by Hib. In the United States, children usually receive the vaccine in three or four doses: The Hib vaccine is generally not given to children older than age 5 or to adults because they’re less likely to develop Hib infection.

How long does it take for epiglottitis to develop?​

In children, signs and symptoms of epiglottitis may develop within a matter of hours, including: For adults, signs and symptoms may develop more slowly, over days rather than hours. Signs and symptoms may include: Epiglottitis is a medical emergency.

It’s a potentially life-threatening illness. The epiglottis is at the base of your tongue. It’s made up of mostly cartilage. It works as a valve to prevent food and liquids from entering your windpipe when you eat and drink. The tissue that makes up the epiglottis can become infected, swell, and block your airway.
How is diagnosis of epiglottitis made?
Diagnosis is made on clinical grounds, and laboratory or other interventions should not preclude or delay timely control of the airway if epiglottitis is suspected. Once the airway has been secured and antibiotics have been initiated, the condition usually resolves rapidly.
When should I call 911 if I have epiglottitis?
If you think that you or someone else has epiglottitis, call 911 or seek local emergency medical help immediately. Epiglottitis is historically a condition more common in children, but it’s becoming more frequent in adults.
People may lean forward in an effort to open the airway. As the condition worsens stridor and bluish skin may occur. Epiglottitis was historically mostly caused by infection by H. influenzae type b. With vaccination it is now more often caused by other bacteria.