epiglottitis

/ˌɛpɪɡləˈtaɪtɪs/
noun
  1. A serious infection and swelling of the epiglottis that can block the airway and make breathing difficult.
    • Vaccines have made epiglottitis much less common in children.
    • Symptoms of epiglottitis include severe sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
    • Epiglottitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.