ear, nose, and throat disorders
Epiglottitis
Introduction
Epiglottitis is a bacterial infection of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues. Epiglottitis may block the windpipe (trachea) and be fatal. The main symptoms are severe sore throat and noisy, difficult breathing. Doctors make the diagnosis by looking at the epiglottis in the operating room with a flexible light. TheHaemophilus influenzaetype B (Hib) vaccine can prevent epiglottitis caused by these bacteria. Antibiotics are given to eliminate the infection, and a breathing tube is inserted to keep the airway from swelling shut. The epiglottis is a small flap of stiff tissue that closes the entrance to the voice box (larynx) and trachea during swallowing. 