You are on the scene of a 3-year-old patient who is in respiratory distress. the mother states that the patient has been making a barking cough for the past 24 hours. the child is very scared and upset. he is crying inconsolably. the patient has tachypnea, but his vital signs are normal otherwise. he is leaning forward in the tripod position and is drooling profusely. what condition do you suspect?

The correct answer is epiglottitis.

Explanation:

Swelling and inflammation of the epiglottis is known as epiglottitis. It is generally caused due to an infection, however, can sometimes also result due to a throat injury. Some of the symptoms of the condition are difficulty and pain at the time of swallowing, severe sore throat, difficulty in breathing that may get better when leaning forwards, breathing sounds becomes high-pitched and unusual, hoarse or muffled voice, and drooling.

It's used to be a therapeutic treatment and has sedative effects