Which factor is a known risk for acute epiglottitis in adults?

Which factor is a known risk for acute epiglottitis in adults?

• A. Diabetes mellitus
• B. Asthma
• C. Hypertension
• D. Chronic liver disease

Answer: (A)

The factor in adults that most commonly predisposes to acute epiglottitis is diabetes mellitus because diabetes impairs several aspects of host defense. Hyperglycemia can weaken neutrophil function (chemotaxis and phagocytosis) and phagocytic killing, and microvascular disease can reduce tissue perfusion, creating a more favorable environment for bacterial infection to involve the epiglottis. This combination raises the risk of rapid inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, which is dangerous due to potential airway obstruction. Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory condition but does not specifically predispose to epiglottic infection. Hypertension and chronic liver disease are not classically recognized risk factors for acute epiglottitis, though overall illness can affect immunity.

The factor in adults that most commonly predisposes to acute epiglottitis is diabetes mellitus because diabetes impairs several aspects of host defense. Hyperglycemia can weaken neutrophil function (chemotaxis and phagocytosis) and phagocytic killing, and microvascular disease can reduce tissue perfusion, creating a more favorable environment for bacterial infection to involve the epiglottis. This combination raises the risk of rapid inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, which is dangerous due to potential airway obstruction.

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory condition but does not specifically predispose to epiglottic infection. Hypertension and chronic liver disease are not classically recognized risk factors for acute epiglottitis, though overall illness can affect immunity.