Abstract
Aim: Acute epiglottitis is characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, which still occurs in adults, and can be severe in some cases. Our study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics, therapeutic management, and prognosis of acute epiglottitis in adults.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of adult patients diagnosed with acute epiglottitis at our institution for 10 years. Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, imaging studies, treatment modalities, and results.
Results: In this study, ten patients were included. The mean age was 51 years. The most commonly observed clinical features among the patients were dysphagia, odynophagia, and hypersalivation. Four cases had stridor. Two of our patients required airway intervention. All patients were treated with a combination of antibiotics and parenteral corticosteroids and achieved a full recovery.
Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of early diagnosis of adult epiglottitis through a good understanding of clinical symptoms, which allows appropriate and rapid management.
