Diagnosis and Management of Supraglottitis (epiglottitis)

Overview

Journal Curr Infect Dis Rep

Specialty Infectious Diseases

Date 2008 May 31

PMID 18510881

Citations 10

Authors

Fergal Glynn

John E Fenton

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Acute supraglottitis is a serious, potentially fatal infection in both adults and children. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is the most common cause in children, even in this era of the Hib vaccine. Most cases of acute supraglottitis in adults are thought to be caused by other bacterial organisms, viral or combined viral-bacterial infections, and noninfectious etiologies. Early visualization of the larynx is essential, as is establishment of a secure airway in selected cases. Most cases will respond to intravenous antibiotic therapy and will not require an artificial airway. Admission to an area of high-intensity nursing is essential. Daily laryngoscopy is necessary to monitor response to treatment. Although the incidence of acute supraglottitis in children has decreased, isolated cases will be encountered and demand high vigilance.

Citing Articles

Epidemiology, presentation, management and outcomes of patients with acute epiglottitis - A 10-year retrospective study based on a tertiary hospital in northern China.

Fan Z, Qiao T, Shi S, Zhang A, Liu J, Wang Y Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2024; 282(1):333-340.

PMID: 39433571 PMC: 11735524. DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-09042-9.

Spontaneous epiglottic abscess: pathophysiology and airway management options.

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Influence of Non-invasive Ventilation in an Adult Patient With Acute Epiglottitis: A Case Report.

Bamadhaf W, AlRahma A, Ali K, Hamoud K Cureus. 2022; 14(10):e30595.

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Response to Letter to the Editor: "Acute Bacterial Epiglottitis and COVID-induced Angioedema of the Larynx Are Possible Differential Diagnoses".

Yamada A, Yamazaki K, Sugimoto T Intern Med. 2022; 61(24):3767.

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Breakthrough COVID-19 infection inducing acute epiglottitis in an immunized host.

Mitchell M, Buras M, Shutter M, Wieters J Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2022; 35(5):658-660.

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