Epiglottitis is characterized by which signs?

• A. High fever, inspiratory stridor, and drooling.
• B. Drooling without fever.
• C. Fever with productive cough.
• D. Inspiratory stridor, high-grade fever, drooling.

Answer: (D)

Epiglottitis is an urgent airway emergency caused by swelling of the epiglottis that narrows the upper airway. The telltale signs come from that swelling and the infection: drooling because swallowing is painful, a high-grade fever from the bacterial infection, and inspiratory stridor from partial obstruction in the upper airway. Cough is not typically present because the problem is above the glottis, not in the lower respiratory tract. So the combination of drooling, fever, and inspiratory stridor best fits epiglottitis, signaling the need for careful airway management and supportive care.