Acute epiglottitis in adults.

Acute epiglottitis in adults is a fulminant disease characterized by local cellulitis of supraglottic structures. Symptoms include sore throat, dysphagia, respiratory difficulty and muffled voice. Signs are pharyngitis, swollen and inflamed epiglottis, epiglottic abscess and/or cervical swelling. Diagnosis is facilitated by an upright, lateral neck x-ray and indirect laryngoscopy. The mainstays of treatment are airway maintenance, antibiotics, steroids, hydration, cool mist, oxygen and supportive care.