Epiglottitis causes

Prior to the introduction of Haemophilus influenza type b vaccine,^[1] H. influenza was the most common culprit of epiglottitis. In recent literature, group A [beta]-hemolytic Streptococci is more commonly observed to be the cause. The disease used to be mostly found in pediatric age group of 3 to 5 years. However, recent trend favors adults as most commonly affected individuals.^[2] Other pathogens such as escherichia coli, candida albicans, or kingella kingae may be encountered in immunocompromised hosts. Occasionally, noninfectious causes examples trauma from foreign objects inhalation and chemical burns have been found to cause epiglottitis.

Prior to the introduction of Haemophilus influenza type b vaccine,^[3] H. influenza was the common culprit of epiglottitis. In recent literature, group A [beta]-hemolytic Streptococci is more commonly observed to be the cause. The disease used to be mostly found in pediatric age group of 3 to 5 years. However, recent trend favors adults as most commonly affected individuals.^[2]

Life-threatening conditions may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated. Epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition and must be treated as such irrespective of the causes.^[4]

Common causes of epiglottitis include:^[5][2]

• Beta-hemolytic streptococci
• Haemophilus influenzae serotype B infection
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus pneumoniae

Less common causes of epiglottitis include:^[6][7]

• Noninfectious causes examples include:
  • Trauma from foreign objects inhalation
  • Chemical burns
• Viruses (including herpes simplex)
• Fungi (Aspergillus spp and Candida albicans)