What condition could possibly cause respiratory depression and drooling?

The condition that could possibly cause respiratory depression and drooling is epiglottitis. This is an acute inflammation of the epiglottis, which can lead to swelling that obstructs the airway, causing significant difficulty in breathing. As the airway narrows, respiratory depression may occur due to inadequate air exchange, resulting in decreased levels of oxygen and increased carbon dioxide.

Drooling is particularly common in epiglottitis because swallowing may become painful or difficult due to the swelling and inflammation in the throat area. Consequently, patients may find it uncomfortable to swallow their saliva, leading to visible drooling. This symptom can be an important clinical sign that indicates potential airway obstruction requiring immediate medical attention.

In contrast, conditions such as an asthma attack, a COPD exacerbation, or pneumonia typically present with different symptoms that do not include drooling or respiratory depression to the same extent and do not primarily involve the inflammation of the epiglottis that leads to such symptoms.