Fact-sheet: Epiglottitis
Updated on 09/17/2021 at 12:16 PM
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Definition
Infectious involvement of the epiglottis causing epiglottic edema +/- involvement of the aryepiglottic folds, which can be rapidly fatal due to respiratory distress
Clinical features
Generally occurs after age 3, with a peak at age 6.
Acute dyspnea.
Respiratory distress.
Stridor.
Dysphagia
Radiography
Lateral view +++.
Enlargement of the epiglottis.
Thickening of the aryepiglottic folds.
Circumferential narrowing of the subglottic space on inspiration.
Reversal of the cervical spine curvature
Management
Therapeutic emergency that may require tracheal intubation
Differential diagnosis
Prominent epiglottis (normal variant).
Omega-shaped epiglottis (normal variant).
Chronic epiglottitis.
Angioneurotic edema.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Caustic ingestion.
Radiation therapy.
Epiglottic cyst.
Aryepiglottic cyst.
Foreign body