A 2-year-old with inspiratory stridor and recent cold symptoms shows subglottic swelling. What condition should the specialist suspect?

The symptoms described—a 2-year-old exhibiting inspiratory stridor, recent cold symptoms, and subglottic swelling—strongly suggest laryngotracheobronchitis, commonly known as croup. This condition typically affects young children and is characterized by upper airway inflammation, leading to stridor, a barking cough, and hoarseness.

The recent cold symptoms are particularly indicative because croup often follows viral upper respiratory infections, where the inflammation can lead to swelling in the subglottic region. The presence of subglottic swelling differentiates croup from other conditions and is a key factor in making the diagnosis.

In contrast, other conditions such as epiglottitis would present more acutely with severe symptoms like drooling and difficulty swallowing, and while foreign body aspiration could cause stridor, it typically presents with sudden onset symptoms following an episode of choking rather than a preceding viral illness. Mucoviscidosis, or cystic fibrosis, generally manifests with other systemic symptoms such as recurrent respiratory infections and gastrointestinal issues, not just acute stridor and stridor-related symptoms.

Thus, given the specific signs and symptoms within the context of a viral illness, laryngotracheobronchitis is the most