Which of the following is considered a risk factor for epiglottitis in adults?

• A. CAD
• B. DM
• C. COPD
• D. Smoking

Answer: (B)

Epiglottitis in adults tends to occur more often in people with impaired immune defenses. Diabetes mellitus stands out as a risk factor because hyperglycemia impairs neutrophil function, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis, and diabetes-related microvascular disease can reduce effective delivery of immune cells to the epiglottis. This combination heightens susceptibility to infection and can lead to rapid edema of the epiglottis, posing a serious airway threat.

While chronic illnesses like CAD and COPD affect overall health, they aren’t specific predisposing factors for epiglottitis. Smoking can irritate the airway and is associated with a variety of respiratory infections, but diabetes mellitus is the most well-established risk factor for developing epiglottitis in adults.