The silent threat of sharp food injury: eggshell-associated acute epiglottitis in an adult

Ahmad Shukri, Fatin Aisya and Mohamad, Adam and Johari, Ahmad Hafizuddin (2026) The silent threat of sharp food injury: eggshell-associated acute epiglottitis in an adult. Visual Journal of Emergency Medicine, 42 (NA). pp. 1-3. E-ISSN 2405-4690

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Abstract

Adult epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that may present without overt airway compromise. Trauma-induced supraglottitis from sharp food particles is uncommon but clinically significant. We report a 47-year-old man who developed progressive odynophagia, dysphagia and muffled voice two days after ingesting an eggshell fragment. He remained haemodynamically stable without stridor. Indirect laryngoscopy revealed a markedly oedematous and erythematous epiglottis with complete obliteration of the valleculae and slough over the base of tongue. Lateral neck radiograph demonstrated the classical thumb sign. Laboratory findings showed neutrophilic leukocytosis and elevated inflammatory markers. A diagnosis of trauma-induced acute epiglottitis was made. The patient was admitted for close airway monitoring and treated with intravenous ampicillin–sulbactam and dexamethasone, resulting in rapid clinical and endoscopic resolution. This case highlights that even minor mucosal injury from an eggshell fragment can precipitate significant supraglottic inflammation, underscoring the importance of early endoscopic evaluation and prompt management to prevent airway compromise.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	8146/127487
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Eggshell, Epiglotittis, Odynophagia
Subjects:	R Medicine > RF Otorhinolaryngology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre (SASMEC) Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Depositing User:	Dr Hafizuddin Johari
Date Deposited:	24 Feb 2026 09:35
Last Modified:	24 Feb 2026 09:36
Queue Number:	2026-02-Q2193
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/127487

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