Epiglottitis in the adult. Recognizing and treating the acute case.

Acute epiglottitis in adults is probably commoner than is generally appreciated. Although upper airway obstruction can occur, the course most often is benign. Acute epiglottitis should be suspected in all patients with a sore throat and dysphagia, especially if symptoms are out of proportion to pharyngeal findings. Diagnosis can be established by mirror or flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy, lateral radiography of the neck, or both. Treatment consists of maintenance of a patent airway and use of humidified oxygen and antibiotics (ampicillin and chloramphenicol [Chloromycetin] ). The role of corticosteroids in treatment of epiglottitis is still controversial.