CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Epiglottitis primarily affects which age group?

1. Infants under 1 year

2. Children aged 3-6 years old

3. Teens aged 13-19 years old

4. Adults aged 20-40 years old

The correct answer is: Children aged 3-6 years old

The age group primarily affected by epiglottitis is infants and young children, particularly those under the age of 5. Historically, epiglottitis was most common in children aged 2 to 6 years before vaccines became widely used against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), the bacterium responsible for a significant number of cases. While the provided answer focuses on children aged 3-6 years, it is essential to recognize that the highest incidence is actually seen in even younger children, specifically infants under 1 year. This demographic is more susceptible to the condition due to their developing immune systems and anatomical features. As the protective effect of vaccinations against Hib has become more prevalent, the incidence in older children and adults has decreased significantly, highlighting that the primary concern remains with younger children. Therefore, infants under 1 year is the most accurate representation of the age group most affected by epiglottitis, rather than children aged 3-6 years.