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.
Compared to the average Turbofan-powered Narrow-body Commercial Passenger Plane, which can reach a maximum altitude of 39,698 ft, the Embraer E175-E2: 1  Can cruise 1,302 ft higher (a 3.3% margin).