Which of the following is NOT a feature of acute epiglottitis?

Acute epiglottitis is primarily characterized by inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, which can lead to severe airway obstruction. One of the hallmark features of this condition includes difficulty in breathing along with stridor, which is a high-pitched sound produced during breathing due to obstruction. High fever is commonly present as it reflects the body's response to infection and inflammation, which often accompany epiglottitis.

Drooling is also a notable symptom observed in acute epiglottitis. It occurs because the child may have difficulty swallowing due to throat pain and the swollen epiglottis blocking the airway. This can lead to an inability to manage secretions effectively.

Chest pain, while it may occur in various respiratory or thoracic conditions, is not a typical symptom of acute epiglottitis. The primary symptoms focus more on respiratory distress and swallowing difficulties rather than pain in the chest area. The presence of stridor, fever, and drooling distinctly aligns with the clinical picture of acute epiglottitis, setting them apart from chest pain, which is not an expected feature in this context.