Managing Epiglottitis in Adults: A Comprehensive Case Study

Epiglottitis is an inflammatory condition involving the epiglottis and surrounding tissues. While it can develop at any age, it was traditionally more common in children, largely due to infections with Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). Since the introduction of the Hib vaccine, the incidence in children has significantly decreased, while cases in adults have become more prevalent. We present here the case of a 44-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with a one-day history of throat pain. He reported throat discomfort and pain exacerbated by swallowing and phonation that began one day prior after taking a dose of azithromycin. X-ray and CT imaging revealed inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis (thumbprint sign) with near-complete airway obstruction. Despite the absence of severe respiratory distress, the patient was intubated, differing from recommendations in previous studies. This case emphasizes the importance of developing standardized treatment protocols for acute epiglottitis in adults, particularly regarding airway management and minimizing unnecessary imaging.