Which age group is most commonly affected by epiglottitis?

The age group most commonly affected by epiglottitis is children aged 2-6 years. In this demographic, epiglottitis can present as a rapid-onset severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and stridor, largely due to the anatomy of the airway and the immune response.

Historically, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was a major cause of epiglottitis in unvaccinated children, particularly those in this age range. Vaccination against Hib has significantly reduced the incidence of epiglottitis, but if cases do occur, they are still most prevalent in preschool-aged children, who are more susceptible due to their developing immune systems and anatomical structures.

In infants under 1 year and adolescents, the incidence of epiglottitis is relatively low and differs due to factors such as immunization status and changes in the bacterial flora with age. While infants may experience other upper airway infections that can lead to similar symptoms, they are less commonly diagnosed with epiglottitis itself. Thus, children aged 2-6 years remain the primary group at risk for this condition.