Management of Epiglottitis in Children

Abstract

Over a 5-yr period, 28 cases of epiglottitis were treated. Intermittent positive pressure breathing and nebulized racemic epinephrine did not relieve the obstruction. The obstructed patient with epiglottitis can be ventilated and benefited by positive pressure by mouth or machine and this ventilatory support can be life saving, rather than worsening the obstruction. With heavy-dose antibiotic-steroid therapy, the severe obstruction can be expected to improve significantly 8-12 h after the onset of treatment.