A novel case of adult, acute epiglottitis successfully treated with noninvasive ventilation

Abstract

Acute adult epiglottitis is a rare and potentially fatal upper airway condition, requiring prompt recognition, resuscitation, stabilization, and transfer to definitive care. Treatment centers on skilled airway management and early antimicrobial therapy. We describe a patient with acute adult epiglottitis in whom airway management using noninvasive positive pressure ventilation was successful allowing avoidance of tracheal intubation.