Acute Epiglottitis: Pitfalls in Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Diagnosis and management of epiglottitis are subjects of some controversy. Repeated attempts at direct visualizatian of the epi glottis may lead to sudden respiratory arrest; emergency endo tracheal intubation may be impossible, and crisis tracheostomy too slow. Rapid confirmation of diagnosis by lateral neck film and early "elective" tracheostomy may be more acceptable alternatives.