Intubation for the membranous laryngotracheobronchitis.

A 49-year-old housewife with membranous laryngotracheobronchitis (the membranous croup) was referred to our clinic because of difficulty in breathing. Instant intubation in the emergency room did not relieve her breathing trouble, thus, following emergency tracheostomy accompanied by irrigation with mucolytic agents and antibiotics proved effective. Preceding intratracheal intubation made the patient suffocate because it induced membranous debris to detach and become lodged in the tracheal wall. In addition, dryness seemed to worsen her respiratory distress, thus high humidification was felt to be instrumental in relieving her symptoms. No pathological bacteria were found in specimens detached from the tracheal wall.