Epiglottitis refers to the inflammation of the epiglottis (a small flabby cartilage lid that covers the windpipe), which may cause respiratory obstruction especially in children. When your epiglottis swells, it blocks the windpipe and air cannot enter into or exit the windpipe. Epiglottitis is more prevalent in children younger than 5 years of age.

Epiglottitis is usually caused by Haemophilus influenzae type (an aggressive bacterium that used to be responsible for many serious infections in children under the age of five). Epiglottitis, also known as supraglottitis, it is a life-threatening condition and if left untreated may cause serious complications like suffocation and death.

There are various symptoms of epiglottitis, which may appear in different forms due to differing causes and nature of infection. The most common symptoms of epiglottitis includes:

• Sore throat
• Halitosis
• Difficulty swallowing
• Impaired breathing
• Upper respiratory infections accompanied by a sore throat.
• Drooling
• A muffled voice
• Hoarseness
• Fever
• Blue skin
• Chills

If epiglottitis is left untreated and the condition worsens, the sufferer might have to keep their mouths opened because the throat tissues may be painful to tighten.

Epiglottitis is usually caused by Haemophilus influenzae type. Contact with this type of bacterium may result in the inflammation of the epiglottis. The bacterial infection that causes epiglottitis is contagious and responsible for multiple upper respiratory and infections sicknesses.

Haemophilus influenzae type is also respo0nsible for causing:

• Sinusitis
• Bacteremia
• Cellulitis
• Meningitis
• Laryngitis
• Osteomyelitis
• Pneumonia

Epiglottis can also be caused by other types of bacteria including some types of Streptococcus bacteria and the bacteria responsible for causing diphtheria.

The HIB vaccine has along the years proven effective in protecting infants against H aemophilus influenzae type, the bacterium responsible for causing epiglottitis and other infectious sickness as mentioned above.

Other physicians may recommend steroid medication to reduce the swelling of the airways and throat tissues. For infant at between 2 to 18 months of age, vaccination may decrease the chance of developing epiglottitis.

Your doctor may also give your child intravenous fluids. These fluids help to increase hydration.

There are several measures you can take at home to reduce the severity of epiglottitis. These include:

• Sucking on an ice cube can soothe the throat tissue
• Cold liquids may relieve some of the discomfort in your throat
• Use a dehumidifier to moisten the air in your home
• Avoid contact with other people (especially children)
• Spend most time indoors
• Don't visit hospital or sick people
• Get adequate rest

Additional throat disorders include:

1. Tonsillitis
2. Adenoids
3. Sore throats
4. Halitosis
5. Dysphagia