If it is only slightly swollen, the infant or child can still breathe, but with some difficulty. If it becomes severely swollen, however, breathing is stopped and death can come within minutes without treatment. The bacteria that most commonly causes epiglottitis is also contagious, so care must be taken around anyone that has the problem, so that others in the family and work environments do not contract it (www.cnn.com,2004). As for the treatment of epiglottitis, it is necessary, because no treatment can result in death. For those that receive prompt treatment, however, the prognosis is generally very good. Treatment involves ensuring that enough air is getting through as a first priority. Sometimes, an oxygen mask can be enough for this, but other times more severe cases require a breathing tube. The tube is inserted through the nose or mouth and may have to stay in place for several days until the swelling in the epiglottis has gone down sufficiently to allow for adequate airflow to the lungs. For severe cases that are extreme emergencies, it may become necessary to...

This is only done as a last resort, but there are times when it must be done to save a life. Antibiotics are also part of treatment, as they are used to make the swelling go down so that the body can begin to heal and adequate airflow can be restored. In infants and very young children, this is an extremely serious problem, as they are growing and developing so quickly that enough oxygen is essential. The best thing that can be done, however, is to work on prevention. Making sure that babies are immunized against epiglottitis and other diseases is one of the most significant and important things that any parent can do for their child to help them grow up happily and give them a good start toward a long and enjoyable life (www.cnn.com,2004).
Works Cited www.cnn.com.(2004). Epiglottitis. Retrieved 8 February 2005 at http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00529.html.

A www.nlm.nih.gov.(2004). Retrieved 8 February 2005 at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000605.htm.