The epiglottis is an organ located at the back of the throat just below the tongue. Its main function is to close the airway to prevent food from entering the airway during feeding. Epiglottitis is an inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. It is usually caused by infection, but can sometimes occur as a result of injury to the throat.
Epiglottitis mainly affects children and is usually caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B. It is now almost infrequent in children due to widespread vaccination, with more cases occurring in adults. The causative organisms in children and adults include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, nonseparable Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Blastococcus mucosus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.Haemophilus influenzae type B remains the cause in adults and unvaccinated children.
Local spread of bacteria colonized in the nasopharynx causes supraglottic cellulitis with inflammation of the epiglottis, arytenoid cartilage, and laryngeal chambers. In epiglottitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B, the infection may spread bloodstream, causing infections elsewhere in the body or leading to problems such as sepsis.
Supraglottic structures such as the epiglottis can become mechanically obstructed in the airway after inflammation occurs, affecting respiratory function. If not treated promptly, asphyxia may occur, which can restrict the entry of oxygen into the air as well as the exit of carbon dioxide and can eventually lead to respiratory failure.
Epiglottitis is a type of infection of the epiglottis caused by a variety of bacteria and requires early treatment. One principle of treatment is early antibiotic therapy to improve respiratory function.