Acute Epiglottitis: A Report of the Two Different Methods of Airway Management in Adults
Manee Raksakietisak MD*, Cheerasook Chongkolwatana MD**
Affiliation : * Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University ** Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
The authors present two cases of acute epiglottitis with upper airway obstruction that urgently needed artificial airways. In case1, a 55-year-old woman with DM presented with severe upper airway ob- struction 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.
Keywords : Epiglottitis, Airway obstruction, Inhalation induction, Tracheostomy
