An unusual case of epiglottitis in a patient with asthma.

An unusual case of epiglottitis in a child with asthma is reported. This patient presented with impending respiratory failure and failed to respond to aggressive asthma therapy. Subsequent intubation revealed acute epiglottitis, and appropriate management was initiated. Discussions of management of acute epiglottitis, including sedation, paralysis, and differential diagnosis, are included.