Bacterial infection that causes swelling of the epiglottis, drooling, mouth breathing, and inspiratory stridor is called:

• A. Croup
• B. Bronchiolitis
• C. Epiglottitis
• D. Pneumonia

Answer: (C)

Swelling of the epiglottis from a bacterial infection narrows the upper airway, leading to drooling, mouth-breathing, and inspiratory stridor. This combination points most directly to epiglottitis. The drooling and the need to sit forward while avoiding swallowing are classic clues that distinguish it from other pediatric respiratory illnesses. Croup can also cause inspiratory stridor, but it typically presents with a barking cough and hoarseness rather than prominent drooling. Bronchiolitis mainly affects the smaller airways and presents with wheezing and tachypnea, not the drooling and acute airway obstruction seen with epiglottitis. Pneumonia involves the lungs and usually features fever and a productive cough rather than the drooling and rapid airway compromise characteristic of epiglottitis.