Which term matches the description 'Swollen epiglottis causing airway obstruction'?

Prepare for the CIEMT Medical and Physiology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions that feature explanations. Ace your test!

Multiple Choice

Which term matches the description 'Swollen epiglottis causing airway obstruction'?

Explanation:
Epiglottitis. Swelling of the epiglottis can rapidly narrow or block the upper airway, making it an emergency. Clinically, you might see drooling, difficulty swallowing, a muffled voice, fever, and distress with the child often leaning forward or sitting upright to help breathe. A lateral neck X-ray can show the classic “thumb sign” from a swollen epiglottis. This differs from croup, which features a barking cough from subglottic swelling; bronchiolitis and RSV involve the smaller airways with wheezing and rapid breathing rather than swelling of the epiglottis.

Epiglottitis. Swelling of the epiglottis can rapidly narrow or block the upper airway, making it an emergency. Clinically, you might see drooling, difficulty swallowing, a muffled voice, fever, and distress with the child often leaning forward or sitting upright to help breathe. A lateral neck X-ray can show the classic “thumb sign” from a swollen epiglottis. This differs from croup, which features a barking cough from subglottic swelling; bronchiolitis and RSV involve the smaller airways with wheezing and rapid breathing rather than swelling of the epiglottis.

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