Diagnostic approach to patients with suspected epiglottitis in the emergency department

* In populations with high rates of immunization to Hemophilus influenzae, type B, epiglottitis most commonly occurs in adults.
¶ Refer to UpToDate content on the evaluation of acute pharyngitis (sore throat).
Δ When clinical suspicion is high, soft tissue lateral neck radiograph can establish the diagnosis of epiglottitis but cannot definitively rule it out.