› In some cases, the clinical presentation of LTB is similar to epiglottitis; a life-threatening condition caused bacterial infection
of the epiglottis and surrounding tissue. Epiglottitis is a medical emergency because swelling of the infected epiglottis
can block the airway, causing respiratory arrest. Because of the life-threatening nature of epiglottitis, it must be rapidly
differentiated from LTB and other respiratory illnesses, and treated appropriately. In contrast, LTB resolves with supportive
care in most cases. LTB and epiglottitis can be differentiated based on the following: