Acute epiglottitis in the adult: is intubation mandatory?

Adult acute epiglottitis.

Acute epiglotiitis is a disease of rapid onset and progression of symptoms and has been well described in children. The importance of being aware of this diagnosis is to prevent an acute upper airway obstruction that can be potentially fatal. Here we describe two cases of adult acute epiglottitis where the patients had severe symptoms of sorethroat but a normal looking oropharynx.

Acute epiglottitis in an adult.

A 33-year old man developed acute epiglottitis of sudden onset which resulted in severe respiratory distress. A small endotracheal tube was passed as an emergency procedure. Respiratory arrest developed after he pulled it out 12 hr later. Subsequent progress was satisfactory following endotracheal intubation and treatment with ampicillin and hydrocortisone. Blood cultures grew Haemophilus influ...

Acute Epiglottitis in a Diabetic Adult Patient

Sudden Death from Acute Epiglottitis and Epiglottic Abscess in Adult

Acute epiglottitis and epiglottic abscess are forms of acute inflammation of the epiglottis and adjacent structures. They are potentially life-threatening conditions and likely to be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in adults. Traditionally, acute epiglottitis is regarded as a disease of children; however, its prevalence among children has decreased owing to vaccination. In contrast, the prevalen...

Acute Epiglottitis in Children

Reports of thirteen cases of acute epiglottitis are presented. Improvement in the mortality rate with adequate treatment is stressed. The diagnosis and management is briefly discussed. Particular regard must be given to the maintenance of the airway, the control of infection and use of steroids. In view of the rapid progression of hypoxia, and collapse, and the high mortality, acute epiglottiti...