Question

which of the following is an infection most often seen in children that is characterized by the production of a gray pseudomembrane over the tonsils, pharynx and larynx that can cause respiratory obstruction?
acute necrotizing gingivostomatitis
epiglottitis
whooping cough
diphtheria

Explanation:

• Acute Necrotizing Gingivostomatitis affects the gums and mouth, not the tonsils/pharynx/larynx with a gray pseudomembrane.
• Epiglottitis involves inflammation of the epiglottis, often with swelling, not a gray pseudomembrane over tonsils etc.
• Whooping cough (pertussis) is a respiratory infection with a characteristic cough, no gray pseudomembrane.
• Diphtheria is an infection, especially in children, that causes a gray pseudomembrane over tonsils, pharynx, larynx, and can lead to respiratory obstruction.

Answer:

D. Diphtheria