Acute epiglottitis: A review of 50 patients

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Head & Neck Surgery
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Acute epiglottitis is a serious condition affecting the epiglottis.
• Early diagnosis and management are critical to prevent airway obstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of acute epiglottitis.
• To identify common symptoms and causative agents in patients admitted to Govt Medical College Srinagar.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 50 patients diagnosed with acute epiglottitis.
• Analysis of patient demographics, symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• The study included 50 patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.8:1.
• Common symptoms were sore throat (92%) and odynophagia (88%).
• Hemophilus influenzae type B was identified in 4 out of 5 positive blood cultures.

Conclusions:

• Sudden onset sore throat and odynophagia warrant suspicion for acute epiglottitis.
• Intravenous antibiotics, steroids, and humidified air are primary treatments.
• Tracheostomy was required in only 4 patients, with no reported deaths.