Acute epiglottitis in adults — a recent review in an Indian hospital

Abstract

To examine the mode of presentation, clinical course and treatment of acute epiglottitis in a series of adult patients. All adults with acute epiglottitis admitted to teaching hospital over a period of 12 months were included in this retrospective study. The diagnosis of epiglottitis was eatablished by laryngoscopy and soft tissue X-ray neck lateral view. Twelve patients were included. Three patients had concurrent acute tonsillitis. Blood cultures were negative in all the cases. Pathogens were isolated by throat swabs only in three patients with acute tonsillitis. Two patients underwent intubation for management of airway obstruction. A combination of coamoxy-clav and metronidazole was the most common antibiotic regimen used. The rising incidence of acute epiglottitis in the adults necessitates the close observance on the part of the otolaryngologist. Selective airway intervention is recommended for patients with more than 50% airway obstruction.