Acute epiglottitis: a report of the two different methods of airway management in adults.

The authors present two cases of acute epiglottitis with upper airway obstruction that urgently needed artificial airways. In case 1, a 55-year-old woman with DM presented with severe upper airway obstruction and sepsis. The tracheostomy was chosen for airway management, antibiotic was given, and fluid and inotropic drug (dopamine) were used for cardiovascular support. She received continuing care in the intensive care unit for several days. In case 2, a 40-year-old man presented with acute airway obstruction when he breathed forcefully. The prophylaxis tracheal intubation was done by using sevoflurane inhalation. The life-threatening situations of both patients were managed successfully by the team approach of ENT surgeons, anesthesiologists, and intensivists.

Foreign body in the vallecula presenting as acute epiglottitis with unilateral supraglottitis

Life threatening inflammatory swelling of the epiglottic and supraglottic regions secondary to a foreign body in the vallecula is an unusual occurrence. Upper airway obstruction is potentially a life threatening sequela. We present a unique case of acute epiglottitis with unilateral supraglottitis secondary to foreign body in the vallecula, which gradually improved after emergency endotracheal intubation for respiratory arrest, followed by intensive conservative management with intravenous antibiotics, cortisone and intravenous fluids. This case emphasizes that a foreign body in the vallecula presenting with severe dysphagia should be taken seriously as it may lead to life threatening complications