Which symptom is NOT typical of epiglottitis?

• A. Drooling
• B. High fever
• C. Cough
• D. Rapid onset

Answer: (C)

Cough is not typical of epiglottitis. Epiglottitis usually presents with signs tied to airway obstruction and swallowing difficulty, such as drooling because swallowing is painful or impossible, a high fever from infection, and a rapid onset of distress as the airway swells. A barking or harsh cough is more characteristic of other conditions like croup or viral upper respiratory infections. Recognizing that cough is not a hallmark helps distinguish epiglottitis from those other illnesses and guides the need for careful airway management and urgent evaluation.