Infectious adult croup.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Acute inflammatory swelling of the subglottic space is a recognized condition in children, commonly known as laryngotracheobronchitis (croup).
• Symptoms often include an antecedent common cold, barking cough, and upper airway obstruction.
• This entity has not been previously described in adult literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce physicians, particularly otolaryngologists, to acute inflammatory subglottic swelling in adults.
• To highlight the potential seriousness of this infection in the adult population.
• To share initial findings on the presentation and management of adult subglottic inflammation.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of seven adult patients diagnosed with acute inflammatory subglottic swelling between 1980 and 1987.
• Clinical data including age, medical history, and symptomatology were collected.
• Anteroposterior radiographs of the neck were used to document physical findings before and after treatment.

Main Results:

• Seven adult patients aged 25-73 years were treated for acute inflammatory subglottic swelling.
• Symptoms mimicked pediatric croup, with antecedent upper respiratory infections and signs of airway obstruction.
• Three patients required airway intervention; however, no fatalities occurred.

Conclusions:

• Acute inflammatory subglottic swelling is a rare but potentially serious condition in adults, presenting similarly to pediatric croup.
• The pathogenesis and management strategies for adult subglottic inflammation appear comparable to those in children.
• Further research and physician awareness are warranted for this underreported condition.