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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration of the anatomy of the throat
Throat anatomy

Epiglottitis is caused by an infection or an injury.

Infection
A common cause of swelling and inflammation of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues is infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria. Hib isn't the germ that causes the flu, but it's responsible for other serious conditions — including respiratory tract infections and meningitis.

Hib spreads through infected droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. It's possible to harbor Hib in your nose and throat without becoming sick — though you still have the potential to spread the bacteria to others.

Other bacteria and viruses also can cause inflammation of the epiglottis, including:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), another bacterium that causes meningitis, pneumonia, ear infections and blood infection (septicemia)
  • Streptococcus A, B and C, a group of bacteria that cause diseases ranging from strep throat to blood infections
  • Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections, diaper rash and oral thrush
  • Varicella zoster, the virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles

Injury
Physical injury, such as a direct blow to the throat, can cause epiglottitis. So can burns from drinking very hot liquids.

You also may develop signs and symptoms similar to those of epiglottitis if you:

  • Swallow a chemical that burns your throat
  • Swallow a foreign object
  • Smoke drugs, such as crack cocaine
References
  1. Woods CR. Epiglottitis (supraglottitis): Clinical features and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 12, 2010.
  2. Woods CR. Epiglottitis (supraglottitis): Treatment and prevention. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 12, 2010.
  3. Epiglottitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec08/ch090/ch090l.html. Accessed March 16, 2010.
  4. Is your child protected against Hib? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HibDisease/. Accessed March 16, 2010.
  5. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-hib.pdf. Accessed March 12, 2010.
  6. Sobol SE, et al. Epiglottitis and croup. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. 2008;41:551.
  7. Lustig LR, et al. Ear, nose, and throat disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. 49th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2356. Accessed March 12, 2010.
  8. 8. Rubin MA, et al. Pharyngitis, sinusitis, otitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2883486. Accessed March 12, 2010.
  9. Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 17, 2010.
  10. Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 23, 2010.
DS00529 May 4, 2010

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