Epiglottitis and Complicated Epiglottitis – A Narrative Review

Abstract

Epiglottitis is a life-threatening emergency if not diagnosed early and managed by a multi-disciplinary approach. Early symptoms and signs are used to diagnose epiglottitis. Imaging can be helpful if clinically safe to perform and supported by close monitoring. Imaging is an adjunct if the airway is patent and with close monitoring. Despite decreasing incidence of epiglottitis in children secondary to vaccination, there is an increasing incidence of epiglottitis and epiglottic abscess formation in adults over the last two decades. Management involves establishing an airway, broad spectrum antibiotics and possible surgical management of complicated epiglottic abscess. We aimed to systematically review the literature to provide a succinct overview on workup and treatment of epiglottitis and its complications.