If a child is suspected of having epiglottitis, should you use a tongue depressor to examine their throat?

In cases of suspected epiglottitis, using a tongue depressor to examine the throat is contraindicated. This condition involves swelling of the epiglottis, which can lead to airway obstruction. The act of using a tongue depressor can stimulate the gag reflex or further irritate the swollen tissues, potentially triggering a complete airway obstruction or worsening the child's respiratory distress.

Instead, the best practice is to keep the child calm and avoid any unnecessary manipulation of the airway until further evaluation can be done in a controlled setting, such as an emergency room. This approach minimizes the risk of complications while ensuring the child receives the necessary care.