What is epiglottitis and why is it a pediatric emergency?

Epiglottitis is a rapidly progressive bacterial infection, most commonly from Haemophilus influenzae type b, causing severe swelling of the epiglottis that can completely obstruct the airway within hours. The classic presentation is a child with sudden high fever, sore throat, drooling, dysphagia, muffled voice, and the tripod position where the child sits upright leaning forward with the jaw thrust out to maximize the airway opening. The nurse must never examine the throat or place anything in the mouth because stimulation can trigger complete airway spasm.