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A child drools, sits upright, won't swallow — epiglottitis; airway secured, throat not examined. Epiglottitis (H. influenzae — toxic child, drooling, tripod sitting, thumbprint on X-ray): never instrument the throat (laryngospasm kills) — secure airway in OT (intubation/tracheostomy). Croup (parainfluenza — barking cough, steeple sign; nebulized adrenaline + dexamethasone). Tracheostomy (below the obstruction — prolonged ventilation >2 weeks, upper obstruction, secretion clearance): care — suction, humidified air, cuff pressure, inner-tube cleaning. The drooling child is the emergency — hands off the throat, airway first.