Abstract

Epiglottic abscess and the management of a ‘precious airway’: A case study

Highlights

  • An epiglottic abscess is a collection of pus in the supraglottic region in the oropharynx and is a life-threatening, time critical cause of upper airway obstruction

  • Since Haemophilus influenza type B (HiB) immunization was introduced in Australia in 1993 the incidence of both epiglottitis has reduced dramatically from 20-30 episodes per 100 000 population to 3.3 cases per 100 000 in children under 5 years old with a concurrence decrease in epiglottic abscess [3]

  • Secure airway management is a key feature of the treatment of epiglottic abscess

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Summary

Introduction

An epiglottic abscess is a collection of pus in the supraglottic region in the oropharynx and is a life-threatening, time critical cause of upper airway obstruction It is often an infrequent sequela of epiglottitis, occurring in 4% of cases [1], rarer causes such as radiotherapy, thermal injuries and caustic trauma have been described [2]. The occurrence in adults remained unchanged, and has increased significantly since, a rise not related to HiB infection but to other pathogenic bacteria [4] Mortality from this condition is 30% [5], from asphyxiation by obstruction, abscess rupture or hemorrhage [6], and requires a high level of suspicion, despite its rarity. Management of this condition involves securing the airway, broad-spectrum IV antibiotics, corticosteroids and surgical drainage

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