[Acute epiglottitis. Diagnosis and treatment in eight cases (author's transl)].

A revision of acute epiglottitis is carried out with reference to eight cases recorded from 1973 to 1981. The ages of the patients varied from 12 to 35 months, with a female predominance (7:1) and a seasonal pattern occurring in winter months. Authors establish the attitude to be taken when faced to a patient clinically suspected of having acute epiglottitis, its' diagnosis and therapeutic protocol. The use of nasotracheal intubation instead of tracheostomy as the best way of obtaining a free airway in these patients at risk of sudden airway obstruction, is specially stressed.