This child's "tripod" positioning (trunk leaning forward, neck hyperextended, chin thrust forward) is caused by epiglottitis and represents the patient's attempt to maximize the patency of a significantly obstructed upper airway. Also, note the child's toxic appearance.
Tripod positioning may also be seen in other causes of respiratory distress, such as severe asthma.
Reproduced with permission from: M Douglas Baker, MD.
