Tags: Disease.
Epiglottitis is an inflammation of the epiglottis — the flap at the base of the tongue that keeps food from going into the trachea (windpipe). Due to its place in the airway swelling of this structure can interfere with breathing and constitutes a medical emergency. Infection can cause the epiglottis to obstruct or completely close off the windpipe.With the advent of the Hib vaccine the incidence of epiglottitis has decreased but the condition has not been eliminated.
