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Epiglottitis: adult and pediatric comparisons
K J Murrage1, V D Janzen, R R Ruby
1University of Western Ontario, Department of Otolaryngology, London, Canada.
The Journal of Otolaryngology
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Adult epiglottitis is as common as childhood epiglottitis, likely due to increased awareness. This study compares adult and pediatric epiglottitis cases, noting bimodal age distributions and differences in presentation and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Epiglottitis is a serious upper airway infection.
- Historically, it was considered more prevalent in children.
- Recent observations suggested a similar incidence in adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of adult epiglottitis compared to pediatric epiglottitis.
- To analyze and compare clinical presentations, causative organisms, treatments, and complications.
- To investigate the age distribution of epiglottitis in both populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of all epiglottitis cases.
- Data collected from three affiliated teaching hospitals.
- Study period: ten years prior to December 1986.
Main Results:
- Adult epiglottitis incidence is nearly equal to that in children.
- Bimodal age distribution observed: 0-8 years (children) and 20-40 years (adults).
- Comparisons of clinical features, pathogens, treatments, and complications were made between age groups.
Conclusions:
- Adult epiglottitis is a significant clinical entity, not rare.
- Increased awareness, not necessarily increased incidence, likely explains higher reported adult cases.
- Understanding differences between adult and pediatric epiglottitis aids diagnosis and management.