health

Epiglottitis, also known as supraglottitis (su-pra-glah-TIE-tis), is characterized
by inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis and other upper
airway structures. The epiglottis can become dangerously swollen within
just a few hours, leading to narrowing of the airway and severe breathing
difficulty.
Epiglottitis is usually caused by bacterial infection. Haemophilus
influenzae type B (Hib) bacteria accounted for the majority of epiglottitis
cases before the widespread use of the Hib vaccine. Staphylococcus aureus;
Streptococcus pneumoniae and group A, B, and C streptococci bacteria;
certain viruses; traumatic injuries; scalding; and severe smoke inhalation
(causing burns in the upper airway) can also lead to epiglottitis.