Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis, the flap of tissue at the base of the tongue that prevents food from entering the windpipe. Symptoms are usually rapid in onset and include difficulty swallowing, which can cause drooling, changes to the voice, fever, and an increased breathing rate; because the epiglottis sits in the upper airway, swelling can interfere with breathing, and affected people may lean forward to try to open the airway. As the condition worsens, stridor and bluish skin may occur.