In suspected epiglottitis, which management approach is recommended?

• A. Keep the child calm and prepare for airway management.
• B. Visualize the throat to assess airway.
• C. Administer bronchodilators immediately.
• D. Perform throat culture before stabilizing.

Answer: (B)

In suspected epiglottitis, protecting the airway and minimizing distress is the priority. The swelling can rapidly progress, and agitation or invasive procedures can trigger breathing difficulty or airway collapse. Therefore the best approach is to keep the child calm and ready for definitive airway management, with the team and equipment prepared for possible intubation or tracheostomy if needed. Direct visualization of the throat is avoided because manipulating the airway in this condition can provoke laryngospasm or sudden obstruction, making the situation much more dangerous. Bronchodilators aren’t the immediate treatment since this is an infectious, inflammatory airway problem rather than a bronchospastic one, and throat cultures or other attempts to inspect the throat should not delay stabilization. Imaging, if needed, is typically pursued after airway has been secured. The key concept is foremost airway safety and controlled planning for airway support.