The distinction of deep tissue infections of the upper airway as supraglottic is an anatomic distinction. The supraglottic infections (epiglottitis or supraglottitis, retropharyngeal cellulitis, retropharyngeal abscess, and peritonsillar abscess) just as easily could be grouped together by their propensity to cause airway obstruction and life-threatening illness, however. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are necessary to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates associated with these infections. The purpose of this article is to review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of supraglottic infections in the population of pediatric patients. Potential complications of each infection are reviewed. Although the focus of this article is the primary care clinician, the important and necessary contributions available from consultants (especially otolaryngologists, radiologists, and anesthesiologists) are included.

Important diagnostic tools used to diagnose supraglottic infections include the history and physical examination as well as radiologic and laboratory studies. Treatment rationales are based largely on clinical and diagnostic findings. Understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease adds useful information about treatment issues. It is frequently helpful for the primary care clinician to enlist the assistance of specialists in otolaryngology, radiology, and anesthesiology.

In general, the prognosis for patients with supraglottic infections is good with early recognition and treatment. Possible complications associated with these infections are included in the following discussion.

Control measures of community infection can be helpful, especially in reducing the incidence of invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease.