Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis. Due to its place in the airway, swelling of this structure can interfere with breathing and constitutes a medical emergency. Cause It involves bacterial infection of the epiglottis, most often caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B, although some cases are attributable to Streptococcus pneumoniae or Streptococcus pyogenes. Symptoms Epiglottitis typically affects children, and is associated with fever, difficulty swallowing, drooling and ...