1st April 2022

A 3-year-old child presents with sore throat, fever, dysphagia and drooling

A 3-year-old child presents with sore throat, fever, dysphagia and drooling. It came on quite suddenly one hour ago. The child is not up to date with their vaccinations. On examination, you note drooling, a high-pitched sound on inspiration, tracheal tug, intercostal and subcostal recession. You diagnose acute epiglottitis. What immediate complication is this child currently most at risk of?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.