What is the most likely cause of the respiratory distress in a previously healthy child with a severe sore throat, excess salivation, and inspiratory stridor?

The scenario describes a previously healthy child presenting with respiratory distress characterized by severe sore throat, excess salivation, and inspiratory stridor. These symptoms are highly indicative of a narrowing of the airway, particularly at the region of the epiglottis.

Bacterial epiglottitis is often caused by infections of organisms such as Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and it manifests with a sudden onset of severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, drooling (which leads to excess salivation), and stridor caused by obstruction. The inspiratory stridor results from swelling of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues, which compromises the airway.

In contrast, while foreign body aspiration could lead to inspiratory stridor and distress in a child, it typically presents more acutely and with sudden onset of choking. Peritonsillar abscess often presents with unilateral throat pain and may have difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth but is less likely to cause the classic features described here. Viral croup commonly presents with stridor and cough but is usually associated with a preceding upper respiratory illness and is less severe than what is seen with epiglottitis.

Thus, considering the combination of symptoms—particularly the severe sore throat, drooling,