A viral infection that may cause obstruction of the upper airway in a child is called:

A viral infection that may cause obstruction of the upper airway in a child is called:

• A. Epiglottitis
• B. RSV infection
• C. Croup
• D. Bronchiolitis

Answer: (C)

Recognizing an upper airway obstruction in a child caused by a viral illness points to croup. Croup, or laryngotracheobronchitis, happens when a viral infection leads to swelling in the larynx and upper trachea. The hallmark is a barking or seal-like cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor as air struggles through the narrowed upper airway. It most commonly affects young children, often between 6 months and 3 years, and symptoms frequently worsen at night. Epiglottitis presents differently: abrupt onset with severe throat pain, drooling, muffled voice, and the child often sitting in a tripod position; it’s bacterial and less common today thanks to vaccines. RSV infection and bronchiolitis involve the lower airways, causing wheeze, tachypnea, and work of breathing rather than true upper airway obstruction.

Recognizing an upper airway obstruction in a child caused by a viral illness points to croup. Croup, or laryngotracheobronchitis, happens when a viral infection leads to swelling in the larynx and upper trachea. The hallmark is a barking or seal-like cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor as air struggles through the narrowed upper airway. It most commonly affects young children, often between 6 months and 3 years, and symptoms frequently worsen at night.

Epiglottitis presents differently: abrupt onset with severe throat pain, drooling, muffled voice, and the child often sitting in a tripod position; it’s bacterial and less common today thanks to vaccines. RSV infection and bronchiolitis involve the lower airways, causing wheeze, tachypnea, and work of breathing rather than true upper airway obstruction.