[Clinical aspects and treatment of acute epiglottitis in adults].

The data obtained on 25 patients with acute epiglottitis treated in 1986-1988 in an ENT department permitted the conclusion that the treatment of the disease should be based on epiglottitis forms which were dropsical (8 patients), infiltrative (7 patients) and abscess--forming (10 patients). A clinical picture of relevant forms is described. Conservative treatment is sufficient for dropsical forms. Incision of the epiglottis mucosa in the infiltrative form and opening of the abscess in the epiglottis suppuration in combination with infusion and antiinflammatory therapy are obligatory. Life--threatening asphyxia may appear suddenly necessitating urgent intervention and critical care.