Test Your Medicine Knowledge

The correct answer is C (Drooling).
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Epiglottitis and pharyngeal abscess pose a serious threat to the airway and it is important to avoid confusing them with simple tonsillopharyngitis.
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With epiglottitis, there is an abrupt onset of severe throat pain and dysphagia, usually with no preceding URI symptoms. Children with epiglottitis often have drooling and signs of toxicity. Sometimes (more often in children), there are respiratory manifestations of tachypnea, dyspnea, stridor, and sitting in the tripod position.
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A pharyngeal examination should not be done in children if epiglottitis is suspected because it may trigger complete airway obstruction. Children with pharyngeal abscess may have a muffled, “hot potato” voice.