Abstract
There are about 1, 000 cases of diphtheria every year in Tokyo with about 10 fatal cases. It goes without saying that early and adequate treatment by the first doctor is most important in order to obtain satisfactory results.
Since erythromycin is the only antibiotic which is highly effective, this antibiotic should be used whenever the above conditions are suspected.
The cardiac changes are most remarkable at the period when the local findings have improved and this is one point which must be kept in mind.
Since laryngotracheobronchitis in influenza infection usually shows characteristic crust formation, one can hardly overlook this condition, but one must remember that tracheotomy should be carried out at once. Intercricothyreotomy should give satisfactory results.
