Acute epiglottitis.

Although acute epiglottitis is not a rare disease and may be very severe or fatal, it is one not familiar, as it should be, to all physicians dealing with children. Diagnosis may be confirmed clinically by direct or indirect examination of the epiglottis. Vaporized cool water is preferable to steam for reducing the swelling of mucosal tissues that impairs breathing. Chloramphenicol is the drug of choice, as the majority of cases of acute epiglottitis are due to H. Influenzae. Tracheotomy must be carried out if necessary to maintain an airway.