Epiglottitis

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Your throat includes your esophagus, windpipe (trachea), voice box (larynx), tonsils and epiglottis.

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. Epiglottitis can occur at any age.

Routine Hib vaccination for infants has made epiglottitis rare, but the condition remains a concern. If you suspect that you or someone in your family has epiglottitis, seek emergency help immediately. Prompt treatment can prevent life-threatening complications.

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. If you or someone you know suddenly has trouble breathing and swallowing, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Try to keep the person quiet and upright, because this position may make it easier to breathe. Don’t try to examine the person’s throat yourself. This can make matters worse.

Epiglottitis is caused by an infection or an injury.

In the past, a common cause of swelling and inflammation of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues was infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria. Hib is responsible for a number of serious conditions, the most common of which is meningitis. Hib is now much less common in developed countries due to Hib immunization in children.

Hib spreads through infected droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. It’s possible to harbor 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, including:

Physical injury, such as a direct blow to the throat, can cause epiglottitis. So can burns from drinking very hot or caustic liquids.

You also may develop signs and symptoms similar to those of epiglottitis if you:

Certain factors increase the risk of developing epiglottitis, including:

Epiglottitis can cause a number of complications, including:

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. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine for older children and adults whose immune systems have been weakened by:

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:

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Epiglottitis

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