Which of the following is NOT true regarding adult epiglottitis?

Which of the following is NOT true regarding adult epiglottitis?

• A. Type b H. influenza is the most common pathogen
• B. Higher incidence in non-smokers
• C. The rapidity of symptoms does not correlate with airway intervention
• D. The incidence has increased in recent years

Answer: (B)

The statement that is not true regarding adult epiglottitis is that there is a higher incidence in non-smokers. Adult epiglottitis is primarily seen in smokers and individuals with certain risk factors, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as smoking can predispose individuals to respiratory infections and inflammation of the upper airway structures, including the epiglottis. On the other hand, type b H. influenza being the most common pathogen reflects historical data on the causative organisms, but in adults, especially since the advent of vaccination, the incidence and recurrence of epiglottitis due to other pathogens have increased. It's also true that the rapidity of symptoms does not correlate with the need for airway intervention—rapid onset does not necessarily mean that the airway is immediately compromised. Lastly, the statement about the incidence of epiglottitis having increased in recent years is supported by various reports highlighting a resurgence of epiglottitis mainly due to non-typeable H. influenzae and other pathogens, particularly in adults.

The statement that is not true regarding adult epiglottitis is that there is a higher incidence in non-smokers. Adult epiglottitis is primarily seen in smokers and individuals with certain risk factors, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as smoking can predispose individuals to respiratory infections and inflammation of the upper airway structures, including the epiglottis.

On the other hand, type b H. influenza being the most common pathogen reflects historical data on the causative organisms, but in adults, especially since the advent of vaccination, the incidence and recurrence of epiglottitis due to other pathogens have increased. It's also true that the rapidity of symptoms does not correlate with the need for airway intervention—rapid onset does not necessarily mean that the airway is immediately compromised. Lastly, the statement about the incidence of epiglottitis having increased in recent years is supported by various reports highlighting a resurgence of epiglottitis mainly due to non-typeable H. influenzae and other pathogens, particularly in adults.