Epiglottitis or just trouble breathing due to inflammation?

Serious problem: Epiglotitis is an acute inflammation, usually caused by a bacteria, of the soft tissue part of the palate 'above the tongue'. It is serious, and if one has it and starts to have trouble breathing, it becomes a life-threatening emergency. Antibiotic, steroids, iced drinks may treat it, but life-saving tracheostomy may be required. Upper airway infection leading to difficulty breathing--emergency.