Which pediatric airway condition typically affects children older than 2, is bacterial, and presents with drooling and possible stridor?

• A. Croup
• B. Epiglottitis
• C. Laryngitis
• D. Bacterial tracheitis

Answer: (B)

Epiglottitis is a bacterial infection that inflames the epiglottis, causing swelling high in the airway. This swelling makes swallowing painful and difficult, so the child often drools instead of swallowing secretions. As the epiglottis enlarges, the airway narrows and stridor can appear, reflecting impending airway obstruction. This scenario commonly occurs in children older than about 2 years and is classically bacterial, often linked to Haemophilus influenzae type b (though vaccine use has reduced its incidence).

Croup is typically viral and presents with a barking cough and hoarseness rather than prominent drooling. Laryngitis mainly causes hoarseness without significant drooling or stridor. Bacterial tracheitis can cause stridor and fever but isn’t defined by drooling as the key finding; it tends to present with copious purulent secretions and a toxic appearance.