Final answer:
The statement that all drooling children need immediate attention for epiglottitis is false; drooling can have various causes. However, if drooling is combined with symptoms typical of epiglottitis, such as difficulty swallowing and breathing, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Any child who is drooling needs immediate attention (epiglottitis)' is not entirely accurate, as drooling can be caused by a number of factors, not just epiglottitis. While epiglottitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can present with drooling, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory distress, it is important to consider other symptoms and factors before concluding that immediate medical attention is needed for epiglottitis. For example, a child could be drooling due to teething or oral health issues. However, if drooling is accompanied by other symptoms of epiglottitis, such as a high fever, severe sore throat, difficulty breathing, or a muffled voice, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention.
The correct role of the epiglottis is to act as a flap that closes off the windpipe during swallowing, to prevent food and liquid from entering the lungs. It does not deflect impurities out of the trachea but rather prevents food from entering the trachea. The nasal cavity, on the other hand, warms the air as it enters the nasal passages.