What exactly is the epiglottis? The epiglottis is one of the cartilages of the larynx, in the shape of a blade, which is at the “crossroads” between the trachea and the esophagus, directing both of them to do their jobs. Acute epiglottitis is a condition in which the vocal tract is affected by an acute inflammation. Acute epiglottitis is an inflammation of the supraglottic region, mainly the epiglottis. Before the introduction of antibiotics, the mortality rate of epiglottitis was as high as lO% to 4O%, and the mortality rate decreased significantly after the application of antibiotics, but it is still l% to 3%. Acute epiglottitis is one of the emergencies in otorhinolaryngology, the disease develops very quickly, and can develop in both adults and children. Acute epiglottitis can develop throughout the year, with a high incidence in winter and early spring. The disease is mostly caused by bacteria or viruses. In addition, acute epiglottitis can be caused by cold, alcoholism, smoking, exertion, and cold. Inflammation of neighboring organs can spread to the epiglottis, and allergic reactions can also cause acute epiglottitis. Acute epiglottitis has an acute onset, with fever and chills, body temperature often at 38℃ to 39℃, a few can be as high as 40℃ or more, and in severe cases can be accompanied by breathing difficulties during inhalation. The patient’s speech is slurred, as if there is something in the mouth, the throat is burning, swallowing is unfavorable, painful with salivation. Because of the loose tissue space around the epiglottis, once inflammation occurs, acute and severe edema can easily occur, causing respiratory distress and death due to asphyxia in time for resuscitation. Indirect laryngoscopy reveals a highly congested, edematous lingual surface of the epiglottis, such as a hemisphere or even a pus spot. Treatment of acute epiglottitis should be detected early, timely application of adequate antibiotics, to maintain respiratory ventilation and anti-infection as the principle. If the combined laryngeal edema, the threat to the respiratory tract is great, then the simultaneous application of hormones, can get good results. Those who have difficulty in eating should be rehydrated intravenously, supplemented with calcium and anti-allergic drugs, pay attention to the balance of water and electrolytes, and observe the respiratory condition, and give oxygen if necessary. If there is local abscess formation, the abscess should be incised and drained to facilitate rapid infection control and smooth breathing. In case of laryngeal obstruction and asphyxia, tracheotomy should be done immediately to open the airway. If we, as ordinary people, feel painful and suffocating throat and slurred speech, we should go to ENT department for examination and treatment in time to avoid delaying the condition. How to prevent acute epiglottitis? Pay attention to the combination of work and rest, strengthen exercise appropriately and enhance physical fitness to improve resistance. Maintain oral hygiene Promptly treat acute inflammation of adjacent organs to prevent the spread of infection. Live a regular life, eat and drink regularly, get up and live regularly, don’t stay up late, avoid catching cold. Quit smoking and drinking, avoid spicy and stimulating food; eat more fruits and vegetables that can nourish the throat, such as pear, watermelon, winter melon, lotus root, white radish, cabbage and silver fungus. During the cold epidemic, try to go out as little as possible, especially do not contact cold patients to reduce the chance of infection. On cold days, you should pay attention to both cold and warmth, and keep the air in your living room fresh and circulating to prevent inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Be alert to food and drug allergies, do not dry swallow pills, do not eat hot food. Try to avoid the stimulation of harmful gases and radiation damage, etc.