Which of the following are signs of Epiglottitis?

• A. Cough and runny nose
• B. Headache and fever only
• C. Sore throat, dysphagia, drooling, respiratory distress, and sitting up/leaning forward
• D. Abdominal pain and vomiting

Answer: (C)

Recognizing signs of acute epiglottitis involves airway-focused symptoms in a child. When the epiglottis is inflamed and swollen, swallowing becomes painful and saliva pools, causing drooling. The throat pain and dysphagia, together with the effort to breathe, produce noticeable respiratory distress. Because the airway is directly in jeopardy, the child often sits up or leans forward to optimize airflow. This combination—sore throat, dysphagia, drooling, respiratory distress, and a forward-leaning posture—best reflects epiglottitis. In contrast, cough and runny nose suggest a less dangerous viral URI, headache with fever alone lacks airway involvement, and abdominal pain with vomiting points to GI issues, not airway inflammation. This condition is an emergency, requiring prompt airway assessment and preparation for advanced support while avoiding throat examination that could worsen obstruction.