Recurrent Adult Acute Epiglottitis: the Role of Lingual Tonsillectomy

Acute epiglottitis is a life-threatening infection of the supraglottic airway that can occur at any age. Although it is traditionally described as a childhood infection, recent reports describe an increased recognition of this problem in adults. When appropriate and timely therapy is instituted, this condition is generally self-limited. Recurrent acute epiglottitis is exceedingly uncommon, and its treatment rarely is addressed. We encountered and treated a case of recurrent acute epiglottitis in an adult. After the third recurrence, careful consideration was given to possible pathophysiologic mechanisms and potential therapeutic options. Further recurrence was prevented effectively by performing a lingual tonsillectomy. Although this is an unusual condition, the cause of recurrent acute epiglottitis may be related to chronic lingual tonsillitis. Lingual tonsillectomy in these cases may help prevent further recurrent episodes.