Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

Which of the following describes a condition where a child cannot swallow due to pain?

1. Asthma

2. Laryngomalacia

3. Epiglottitis

4. Croup

The correct answer is: Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, which can lead to severe throat pain and difficulty swallowing, known as odynophagia. This condition typically results from an infection, often caused by bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and may cause the epiglottis to swell significantly, which can obstruct the airway and lead to respiratory distress. The presentation of a child with epiglottitis includes symptoms like high fever, severe sore throat, drooling (due to inability to swallow), stridor, and a preference to sit upright to breathe better. The pain associated with swallowing can be particularly distressing and is a hallmark symptom that distinguishes it from other conditions. While the other conditions listed may present with respiratory distress or throat issues, they do not specifically manifest as difficulty swallowing due to pain. Asthma is primarily a respiratory disorder characterized by wheezing, breathlessness, and chest tightness. Laryngomalacia is typically associated with stridor and may manifest in infants, but it does not primarily cause painful swallowing. Croup involves a barking cough and stridor due to upper airway inflammation but does not present with the same level of pain during swallowing as seen in epiglottitis