The period of nasotracheal intubation in acute epiglottitis.

Experience during the last three years with nasotracheal intubation in children with acute epiglottitis indicates that a period of intubation of 8-12 hours after the institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy is satisfactory in most patients. Shortening the period of intubation should have benefits to the patient. A shorter period of intubation should provide less opportunity for complications to develop and allow earlier discharge.