Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a manifestation of infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV) anywhere within the entire respiratory tract/system, from the nose into the lungs.

Age distribution of RRP is bimodal. The most common presentations are in children younger than 5 years, juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP), or in adults in the fourth decade of life, known as adult-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (AORRP). Children 14 years old or younger average 4.3 cases per 100,000 of the population. Adolescents 15 years to adult average 1.8 cases per 100,000 of the population.

In JORRP, males and females are affected equally. In AORRP, males are affected more frequently in a ratio approaching 4:1. RRP also seems to appear more frequently in Caucasians than other races.

RRP is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), usually HPV-6 or HPV-11 variants. The HPV-16 or HPV-18 variants are the causative agents in rare cases.

JORRP is typically transmitted from the infected mother during the perinatal period, most commonly during vaginal delivery. JORRP produces a more severe disease than AORRP.

AORRP’s mode of acquisition is not known with certainty, but it is strongly suspected to be via sexual transmission.