Acute epiglottitis in adults: bacteriology and therapeutic principles

Acute epiglottitis is seldom encountered in adults, but the condition is probably more frequent than reported in the literature. Nineteen cases of adult epiglottitis were analysed retrospectively. In 53% of the patients, the symptoms were present for less than 24 h prior to hospitalization. Sore throat and dysphagia were invariably present. Three patients presented with stridor and 2 with complete airway obstruction. Throat cultures from 5 patients grew beta-haemolytic streptococci and from 2 Haemophilus influenzae type B was grown. Two tracheotomies and 1 nasotracheal intubation were performed. One death occurred. It is emphasized that any adult with an acute sore throat and dysphagia should undergo indirect laryngoscopy and that blood cultures should always be part of the routine bacteriological investigation. Cooperation and understanding among otolaryngologists and anaesthesiologists is of paramount importance in the management of acute adult epiglottitis, as nasotracheal intubation and cricothyroidotomy appear to be the methods of choice in securing an airway. Ampicillin and chloramphenicol are recommended in the medical treatment.