Which statement best describes epiglottitis?

• A. It is a mild, self-limited throat infection
• B. It causes chronic wheeze over months
• C. It is a medical emergency with rapid airway obstruction
• D. It only affects adults with asthma

Answer: (C)

Epiglottitis is an acute inflammation of the epiglottis that can swell rapidly and block the airway, making it a true medical emergency. The priority is to protect the airway because even a small amount of swelling can quickly progress to obstruction, leading to life-threatening respiratory failure. Patients often present with high fever, severe sore throat, a muffled or hot- potato voice, drooling, and signs of distress such as rapid breathing or agitation; in children, you may see them sitting up or leaning forward and tachypnea as the airway narrows. Because of the risk of sudden airway compromise, management focuses on securing the airway in a controlled setting, avoiding threatened procedures that could worsen obstruction, and starting appropriate antibiotics. This condition is not a mild throat infection, not a chronic wheeze, and not limited to adults with asthma.