Rosh Pediatrics Practice Exam

Which respiratory condition is characterized by a sudden onset of stridor and respiratory distress in a young child?

1. Asthma

2. Bronchiolitis

3. Epiglottitis

4. Croup

The correct answer is: Epiglottitis

The condition characterized by a sudden onset of stridor and respiratory distress in a young child is epiglottitis. This condition involves inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, which can rapidly obstruct the airway, leading to significant respiratory distress. The classic presentation includes high fever, stridor, drooling, and difficulty swallowing, as the child may prefer to lean forward to help ease breathing. The sudden nature of the symptoms is crucial to identify, as epiglottitis, particularly in unvaccinated children, can progress very quickly and could be life-threatening due to airway compromise. The identification of stridor, which is a high-pitched wheezing sound resulting from turbulent airflow during breathing, further indicates a significant obstruction in the upper airways, which is a hallmark of epiglottitis. While other conditions like croup can also present with stridor, they often exhibit a more gradual onset and can be accompanied by a "barking" cough, which differentiates them from the more acute presentation seen in epiglottitis. Therefore, understanding the rapid progression of symptoms and the specific clinical presentations helps clarify why epiglottitis is the correct answer.