Epiglottitis
Why it happens
Epiglottitis is usually caused by an infection withHaemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria. As well as epiglottitis, Hib can cause a number of serious infections, such as pneumonia and meningitis .
It spreads in the same way as the cold or flu virus; the bacteria areinthe tiny droplets of saliva and mucus propelled into the air when aninfected person coughs or sneezes. Youcatch the infection by breathing in these droplets or, if the droplets have landed on a surface or object, by touching thissurface and then touching your face or mouth.
Less common causes of epiglottitis include:
- other bacterial infections such as streptococcus pneumoniae (a common cause of pneumonia)
- fungal infections people with a weakened immune system are most at risk from these types of infection
- viral infections such as the varicella zoster virus (the virus responsible for chickenpox ) and the herpes simplex virus (the virus responsible for cold sores )
- trauma to the throat such as a blow to the throat, or burning the throat by drinking very hot liquids
- smoking particularlyillegal drugs, such as cannabis or crack cocaine
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Epiglottitis is inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. In most cases, it's caused by infection. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that sits beneath the tongue at the back of the throat.
Symptoms of epiglottitis
The symptoms of epiglottitis usually develop quickly and get rapidly worse, although they can develop over a few days in older children and adults. Symptoms include: a severe Strep throat difficul
When to seek medical advice
Epiglottitis is regarded as a medical emergency, asa swollen epiglottis can restrict the oxygen supply to your lungs. Dial 999 to ask for an ambulance if you think you or your child has epiglottitis
Treating epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is treated in hospital. The first thing the medical team will do is secure the person's airways, to make surethey can breathe properly. Securing the airways Anoxygen mask will be given
Why it happens
Epiglottitis is usually caused by an infection withHaemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria. As well as epiglottitis, Hib can cause a number of serious infections, such as pneumonia and meningitis
Hib vaccination
The most effective way to prevent your child getting epiglottitis is to make suretheir vaccinations are up to date. Children are particularly vulnerable to a Hib infection, because they have an under
Who is affected
Because of the success of the Hib vaccination programme,epiglottitis is rare in the UK, andmost cases now occur in adults.Deaths from epiglottitis arealso rare, occurring inless than 1 in 100 cases.
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