PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Asrar, Latifi
AU  - Oyetunji, Nureni
AU  - Raza, Sayed S.
AU  - Zeyaulhaque, Imranulhaque
TI  - Foreign body in the vallecula presenting as acute epiglottitis with unilateral supraglottitis
DP  - 2005 Sep 01
TA  - Saudi Medical Journal
PG  - 1449--1452
VI  - 26
IP  - 9
4099  - http://smj.org.sa/content/26/9/1449.short
4100  - http://smj.org.sa/content/26/9/1449.full
SO  - Saudi Med J2005 Sep 01; 26
AB  - 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.