Management of acute epiglottitis.

Airway obstruction secondary to acute epiglottitis is a dramatic, life-threatening emergency. Early diagnosis and provision of an adequate artificial airway are critical in the management of these patients. Tracheostomy has been the traditional method of securing the airway in acute epiglottitis, but more recently, endotracheal intubation has been advocated. Whichever method of airway management is preferred, it is imperative that every hospital have a protocol for the management of acute epiglottitis so that immediate action can be taken.