Airway Management in Acute Epiglottitis

Clinical Recognition and Airway Expertise

• The most experienced available operator should manage the airway in critically ill patients with potential airway obstruction, as stated by the American College of Surgeons, emphasizing the need for skilled personnel in airway management 1
• The British Journal of Anaesthesia emphasizes that dyspnea, desaturation, and stridor are indications for urgent intubation, highlighting the importance of prompt airway intervention in patients with respiratory distress 2
• Airway management should occur in a controlled setting with full monitoring and rescue equipment available, according to the British Journal of Anaesthesia, to minimize risks and ensure optimal outcomes 2, 3

Immediate Management and Definitive Airway Management

• The British Journal of Anaesthesia recommends modified RSI as the most appropriate technique for patients with airway obstruction, emphasizing the need for a controlled and skilled approach to intubation 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
• Videolaryngoscopy should be available if the operator is skilled, as recommended by the British Journal of Anaesthesia and Anaesthesia, to facilitate safe and effective intubation 2, 7, 8, 9, 10
• Front-of-neck access (FONA) with scalpel technique must be immediately available if intubation fails, as emphasized by the British Journal of Anaesthesia and Anaesthesia, to ensure prompt and effective airway management 2, 7