A number of these disorders may potentially result in acute respiratory failure, and require emergent and accurate diagnostic radiologic evaluation.
Radiographic evaluation is based primarily on a lateral view of the upper airway.
The examination must be performed expeditiously with extreme care. The lungs are often hyperinflated with patchy atelectasis. An impacted esophageal foreign body may also present with croup-like symptoms. Radiographic examination is generally not required for diagnosis although it may be helpful if in doubt. The infant or child with a clinical presentation suggestive of epiglottitis should be examined urgently with all due preparation for possible respiratory arrest.