Acute epiglottitis in a 79-year-old man.

A case of acute epiglottitis in a 79-year-old man is presented describing the airway and anaesthetic management. Early reports of adult epiglottitis advocated observation or tracheostomy for airway management. Recent reports stress early endotracheal intubation. Unlike the paediatric age group adults may present with differing degrees of airway obstruction, epiglottic abscess, and with a more diverse set of medical problems. This can make airway management more variable than in children. A discussion of airway management in adult epiglottitis is presented.