Adult Acute Epiglottitis Caused by Kiebsiella Pneumoniae: A Case Report

Abstract

Acute epiglottiits is a rare but potentially life-threatening infection and respiratory emergency as it may result in sudden airway obstruction and death. We present a case of acute epiglottiits in a 38 year-old man, who suffered from fever and sore throat followed by odynophagia and dyspnea for one day. There was an increased C-reactive protein and a slightly elevated white cell count. After the airway was secured, a lateral neck radiograph revealed a swollen epiglottis which was confirmed by direct visualization with a fibreotic laryngoscope. Blood and throat cultures yielded Klebsiella pneumoniae. He was given supplementary oxygen and intravenous administration of 1.5gm of ampicillin/sulbactam and 80mg of methyl-prednisolone every six hours. Inhaled 40mg of methylprednisolone and 0.5ml of adrenaline (0.5ml of 1:1000 diluted to 5ml of 0.9% saline) were also given for swollen epiglottis. His symptoms improved with aggressive treatment and he was discharged after 5 days without complications.