Epiglottitis commonly presents with which sign?

• A. Wheezing
• B. Upper airway infection
• C. Productive cough
• D. Drooling

Answer: (D)

Epiglottitis causes swelling of the epiglottis that makes swallowing painful and difficult, so saliva cannot be swallowed and the patient often drools. This drooling, especially in a child with fever and respiratory distress, is a classic distinguishing sign of epiglottitis. Wheezing signals lower airway involvement like asthma or bronchiolitis, a productive cough points to bronchitis or pneumonia, and while an upper airway infection can be part of the picture, it does not specifically explain the saliva accumulation and visible drooling seen with epiglottitis.