[Subglottic laryngitis treated with corticosteroid inhalation]

On basis of examinations the authors established that in case of a mild pseudocroup syndrome the inhalation of beclomethasone in itself, in more severe cases combined with racem epinephrine has a favourable effect; it shortens the period of symptoms, and effectively reduces the progress of laryngitis with resting dyspnoe. In 15 cases out of 18 patients treated without local steroids, airway stenosis increased, while in patients getting inhalative steroids only 15 cases out of 29 worsend. In practice the use of beclomethasone makes possible the home treatment in mild cases of pseudocroup. It must be considered, however, that one hour is needed while its effect develops. The progress of laryngitis can be stopped by inhalative corticosteroids, but in most severe cases they must be combined with racem epinephrine.