Epiglottitis is a medical emergency that may result in death if not treated quickly. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that sits at the base of the tongue that keeps food from going into the trachea (windpipe) during swallowing.When it becomes infected and inflamed, it can swell and obstruct or close off the windpipe, which may be fatal unless promptly treated. Epiglottitis occurs with different peaks in both children and adults. 2  In children, generally epiglottitis typically peaks in children aged 2-4 years. 3  In adults, the average age of onset is 45 years.
Although aircraft cabins are pressurized, cabin air pressure at cruising altitude is lower than air pressure at sea level. At typical cruising altitudes in the range 11 000â12 200 m (36 000â40 000 feet), air pressure in the cabin is equivalent to the outside air pressure at 1800â2400 m (6000â8000 feet) above sea level.
â¢ Also, at higher altitudes, the air is less dense, therefore the aircraft can run more effectively. â¢ Best fuel efficiency occurs when the plane gets into the mid 30âs +. â¢ High altitude means less power is needed to propel the plane and at 40,000 feet the engines are just above idle power. These were just some reasons why aircrafts travel high up in the air.