Epiglottitis most commonly affects children in which age range?

Epiglottitis most commonly affects children in which age range?

• A. 2-6 years
• B. 0-1 year
• C. 6-12 years
• D. 11-15 years

Answer: (A)

Epiglottitis most often affects preschool-aged children, roughly 2 to 6 years old, with the highest incidence around 3 to 4 years. This pattern reflects historical epidemiology where Hib was the leading cause, and vaccination has reduced overall cases but the disease remains most common in this preschool window. Additionally, a child’s smaller airway means that inflammation and swelling at the epiglottis can rapidly narrow the airway, making this age group particularly vulnerable to rapid airway obstruction. Infants and older children are less commonly affected, though the condition can occur outside this range.

Epiglottitis most often affects preschool-aged children, roughly 2 to 6 years old, with the highest incidence around 3 to 4 years. This pattern reflects historical epidemiology where Hib was the leading cause, and vaccination has reduced overall cases but the disease remains most common in this preschool window. Additionally, a child’s smaller airway means that inflammation and swelling at the epiglottis can rapidly narrow the airway, making this age group particularly vulnerable to rapid airway obstruction. Infants and older children are less commonly affected, though the condition can occur outside this range.