Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the epiglottis — a small cartilage “lid” that covers your windpipe swells, blocking the flow of air into your lungs.
A number of factors can cause the epiglottis to swell — burns from hot liquids, direct injury to your throat and various infections.
The most common cause of epiglottitis in children in the past was infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), the same bacterium that causes pneumonia, meningitis and infections in the bloodstream.
Hib spreads through infected droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. It’s possible to harbour Hib in your nose and throat without becoming sick — though you still can spread the bacteria to others.
In adults, other bacteria and viruses also can cause inflammation of the epiglottis.
Epiglottitis can occur at any age.
Prompt treatment can prevent life-threatening complications.
Symptoms
In children, signs and symptoms of epiglottitis may develop within a matter of hours, including:Fever, severe sore throat,
abnormal, high-pitched sound when breathing in (stridor),
difficult and painful swallowing, drooling, anxious, restless behaviour and feeling better when sitting up or leaning forward
Risk factors
Certain factors increase the risk of developing epiglottitis, including:
-Being male:Epiglottitis affects more males than females.
-Having a weakened immune system. If your immune system has been weakened by illness or medication, you’re more susceptible to the bacterial infections that may cause epiglottitis.
-Lacking adequate vaccination. Delayed or skipped immunizations can leave a child vulnerable to Hib and increases the risk of epiglottitis.
Commonsense precautions
Of course, the Hib vaccine doesn’t offer guarantees. Vaccinated children have been known to develop epiglottitis — and other germs can cause epiglottitis, too. That’s where commonsense precautions come in:
-Don’t share personal items.
-Wash your hands frequently.
-Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
