Epiglottis is a leaf shaped cartilage which projects into the pharynx and guards the entrance to the lungs. The infection of the epiglottis is called epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is a bacterial infection which in most cases is caused by hemophilus, influenza, pneumococcus, or streptococcus. It is a life threatening illness that occurs most often in children 2-7 years old with the highest incidence occurring at three years.

The symptoms of epiglottitis include the following:
Sore throat
Fever
Drooling
Difficulty breathing
Hoarseness 
Difficulty swallowing
Purple skin and nails, known as cyanosis
Stridor (a high-pitched noise made when inhaling)
Head tilted back trying to inhale more air
Treatment: The epiglottitis occurs abruptly and requires immediate medical attention. The doctor will take a blood or throat culture and x-ray the neck. Your child will most likely require hospitalization for oxygen and monitoring. In some cases surgery is necessary to open the windpipe. After your child returns home from the hospital, use a cold-air humidifier and make sure he or she gets plenty of bed rest. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection or to prevent it from coming back. Fortunately, immunization against the flu has drastically decreased the incidence of epiglottitis.