What causes epiglottitis?

What causes epiglottitis?

In most cases, Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) bacteria cause epiglottitis. This is sometimes called acute bacterial epiglottitis. Hib bacteria can also cause pneumonia and meningitis.

Other possible epiglottis causes include:

• Bacterial infections from non-Hib sources, such as those from streptococcus pneumonia.
• Fungal infections, particularly in people with a weak immune system.
• Viral infections from varicella zoster virus (which causes chickenpox) or herpes simplex virus (which causes cold sores).
• Injury to your throat, either through a physical blow or by drinking a very hot liquid.
• Smoking.
• Chemical burns.
• Side effect of another disease or chemotherapy.