MamasHealth.com Home Infectious Information Adenovirus Anthrax Avian Flu Battle the Cold Black Fever Bronchitis Chicken Pox Cholera Colds and Cruises Cold Season Croup Cytomegalovirus Dengue Fever Diphtheria Ear Infection Ebola Epiglottitis Fight the Flu Flu Flu Vaccine Glandular Fever Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Laryngitis Leprosy Lice Lyme Disease Mad Cow Disease Malaria Measles Meningitis Mono Mumps Pink Eye Pinworms Pneumonia Polio Rabies Rheumataic Fever Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever RSV Sarcoidosis SARS Shigella Enteritis Scarlet Fever Smallpox Sore Throat Stomach Flu Strep Throat Super Infections Tetanus Thrush Tonsilitis Tuberculosis Typhoid Fever Valley Fever West Nile Virus Whooping Cough Yellow Fever Links Email Mama Supporting a family on one income Food borne illnesses Parasitic infections Sign up for the MamasHealth Newsletter	What is Epiglottitis? Epiglottitis is an acute, severe a very dangerous infection of the epiglottis and the area around the voicebox (larynx). The epiglottis is the flap of tissue that closes off the larynx when one swallows. The occurrence of epiglottis has decreased steadily since Haemophilus influenza group b (Hib) vaccine became a routine childhood immunization in the late 1980s. If you believe you have epiglottis, call 911 or visit a doctor immediately. Epiglottitis is a medical emergency. Epiglottitis usually occurs in children between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. Epiglottitis is also called supraglottitis. Symptoms of Epiglottitis? There are many symptoms. The most common symptoms are: Drooling Sore throat Difficulty swallowing Difficulty breathing Hoarseness Chills Fever Blue skin What Causes Epiglottitis? The most common cause of epiglottitis is infection with the bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae type b, also called HIB. Epiglottis can also be caused by other types of bacteria including some types of Streptococcus bacteria and the bacteria responsible for causing diphtheria. The bacterial infection that causes epiglottitis is contagious. Treatment of Epiglottitis? Epiglottitis can be treated. If proper treatment is given, the patient can fully recover. Some of the treatment options are: Administration of humidified oxygen. Oxygen will help the patient breathe. Intravenous fluids. Intravenous fluids are given to increase hydration. Antibiotics to treat the infection. Corticosteroids to decrease the swelling of the throat.	Featured Book
	Health Topic: Tummy Tuck Surgery: What No One Tells You Medicare Part D: Everything you need to know Finding time for sex How to choose the best weight loss program Easy flirting tips How to deal with a stubborn husband or boyfriend Surviving a financial crisis Save money in the kitchen Inexpensive health insurance
	Information obtained from MamasHealth.com™ should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use. Contact us: PO Box 2170, Pasadena, CA 91102-2170 If you want a review of your product featured on MamasHealth.com, let us know. ©2000 - 2008 MamasHealth.com™. All rights reserved