Epiglottic abscess as a rare cause of muffled voice

Abstract

A 42-year-old male presented with fever and symptoms of impending upper airway obstruction on the day of presentation. He required immediate intubation due to swollen epiglottis. The condition responded to antibiotic and steroids, and he was able to be extubated after 3 days. Two days later, however, the epiglottis started to swell up again, this time with pus discharge. Emergency exploration and drainage of the epiglottic abscess were executed, and the patient was kept intubated for a few days afterwards for the swollen epiglottis to reduce in size. Daily flexible laryngoscopy was commenced to monitor the disease status. After completing the antibiotic therapy the patient was discharged in good general condition.