Epiglottitis in a Vaccinated Child: A Lifesaving Diagnosis

Epiglottitis is inflammation and cellulitis of the soft tissues above the glottis – the epiglottis, vallecula, arytenoid cartilage and aryepiglottic folds. It is a life‐threatening emergency which is most commonly caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b. The incidence of epiglottitis has declined dramatically since the introduction of the Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine and can thus be easily overlooked in the emergency setting. Our case highlights the importance of epiglottitis as a differential diagnosis in the child with acute respiratory distress.