Acute Adult Supraglottitis: An Update

Supraglottitis (or epiglottitis) is inflammation of the epiglottis and the supraglottic structures. Without treatment, epiglottitis can progress to a fatal airway obstruction. Prompt recognition and management of epiglottitis are detrimental and essential to achieve good outcomes. Epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition that needs early and active medical and possible surgical intervention. It is important to be familiar with the anatomy of the upper airway in different age groups. While the physiology of breathing might vary a little, the etiology and infecting organisms, in supraglottitis, are diverse in different age groups. Clinical identification and diagnosis are sufficient to start treatment measures early. It is advised to encourage a multidisciplinary approach to managing this condition by involving related specialties, to be prepared and to have a strategy in case the scenario turns into an airway emergency, which may lead to serious consequences, such as permanent hypoxic injury, or even death, if airway and oxygenation were not restored promptly. Alongside managing the airway, physicians and allied health care providers should know how to approach these patients. Physicians should be aware of medical and surgical management options based on their region, infection prevention, and treatment recommendations to start antimicrobial treatment. Maintaining oxygenation is a priority and health care providers should be aware that the airway might quickly be compromised leading to a complete airway obstruction, if appropriate management was delayed or incomplete.