3Infection
Epiglottis can also be caused by an infection, which leads to inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis and other surrounding tissues. The most common trigger is the Hib or Haemophilus influenza bacteria. It is also the main cause of some severe illnesses, especially meningitis. Thanks to immunization in children, Hib is now much less prevalent in developed nations. These microorganisms can transmit through infected droplets when you sneeze or cough them into the air.
Other viruses and bacteria would also lead to epiglottitis in adults. These include:
– Staphylococcus aureus: These bacteria cause skin infections, toxic shock syndrome, and pneumonia
– Streptococcus A, B, and C: These bacteria would cause blood infection or strep throat
– Streptococcus pneumonia: These bacteria would cause a blood infection, ear infection, pneumonia, and meningitis [3]
