Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

What kind of breathing is typically found in epiglottis issues?

1. Kussmaul breathing

2. Stridor

3. Head bobbing

4. Recessed breathing

The correct answer is: Stridor

Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound that is often associated with breathing difficulties, particularly in cases involving obstruction or swelling in the upper airway. In the context of epiglottitis, which is an inflammation of the epiglottis and can lead to airway obstruction, stridor is a common respiratory sign. This sound occurs when air struggles to pass through a narrowed or obstructed airway, which is exactly what can happen when the epiglottis becomes inflamed. The presence of stridor suggests that the patient may require immediate medical intervention to secure the airway and alleviate the obstruction. In cases of epiglottitis, timely recognition of stridor and other symptoms is critical for effective management.