Acute epiglottitis in adults.

Epiglottitis in adults, while uncommon, is certainly not rare. Despite the increasing reports of the disorder in the literature, it continues to be misdiagnosed in emergency departments. The first step in the diagnosis of acute epiglottitis is for the emergency physician to think of it. The literature concerning the etiology, pathology, and the management of epiglottitis in adults is reviewed.