Early recognition and critical management of adult epiglottitis in the emergency department: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Acute epiglottitis was primarily considered a disease of the pediatric population. However, it has constantly been a report of a certain number of adult cases. Death by airway obstruction is caused by delayed diagnosis and untimely invasive airway management. In this report, we presented a case of a 24-year-old male who presented at the Emergency Department with a progressive sore throat and high-graded fever for one day. After investigations, he was diagnosed with acute epiglottitis and was managed accordingly, with otolaryngologist consultation. His conditions improved after airway management and a course of antibiotic treatment during hospital admission. We reviewed the relevant works of literature regarding the clinical presentations and, notably, radiographic findings to aid the diagnosis of acute epiglottitis in adults. This case underlines the importance of clinical suspicions in cases with consistent symptoms and the excellent utility of lateral neck radiography for the prompt diagnosis of this life-threatening entity.