A 5-year-old boy with a sore throat and fever is drooling and leaning forward. What illness is suspected?

In this scenario, the combination of a sore throat, fever, excessive drooling, and the child leaning forward is highly indicative of epiglottitis. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, which can lead to airway obstruction. The drooling suggests that the child is experiencing difficulty swallowing, a common symptom when the airway is compromised. The leaning forward position, often referred to as "tripod position," helps to ease breathing by maximizing airflow and is a typical posture observed in children with respiratory distress.

Epiglottitis can progress rapidly and typically requires immediate medical intervention. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for prompt treatment, which may include securing the airway and administering antibiotics. The other conditions listed - strep throat, bronchiolitis, and croup - present with different symptomatology and do not typically involve the same risk of acute airway obstruction or drooling.