Acute Infectious Epiglottitis in Adults

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Epiglottitis is a rapidly progressing disease, often fatal if not recognized and treated promptly. Sore throat followed by dysphagia and rapidly progressive respiratory distress is the characteristic mode of presentation. On indirect mirror laryngoscopy the epiglottis is found to be hyperemic and edematous. Three cases in adults are added to the 37 already found in the literature. Haemophilus influenzae, type B, is the commonest infecting organism, with Staphylococcus, Pneumococcus, and Streptococcus also isolated from fewer numbers of cases. The primary element in treatment is the maintenance of an adequate airway, including tracheostomy when indicated. Prompt, aggressive antibiotic treatment is indicated after suitable cultures are obtained. On the basis of the potential causal agents we recommend initiating treatment with a combination of ampicillin and methicillin.
Keywords

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: