J05: Acute obstructive laryngitis [croup] and epiglottitis
J05.1: Acute epiglottitis
The larynx can be seen as a bulging area at the front of the neck. The epiglottis is located in the upper larynx. The opening into the windpipe is beneath the epiglottis. The opening into the gullet is behind the windpipe. When we swallow, the epiglottis closes the windpipe. As a result, the food slides entirely into the gullet. The epiglottis is covered with mucous membrane.
When the epiglottis is inflamed, the mucous membrane of the epiglottis swells up. The swelling can severely constrict the opening into the windpipe. As a result, you may get shortness of breath or an increased flow of saliva.
When we swallow, the epiglottis moves. With each movement, the swelling on the epiglottis is squeezed. As a result, you may have severe pain when swallowing.
A high fever is also typical for an inflammation of the epiglottis.
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