In an emergency, which childhood illness requires immediate transport?

Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, which can lead to airway obstruction. This condition often progresses rapidly and can cause significant difficulty in breathing, stridor, and drooling due to the child's inability to swallow properly. The urgency for immediate transport arises from the risk of complete airway blockage, which can result in respiratory failure.

In contrast, while asthma attacks can be serious and also require prompt attention, they can often be managed with bronchodilators and other treatments to relieve symptoms before transport. Chickenpox, although it may cause complications in some cases, typically does not require emergency intervention unless there are severe symptoms or secondary infections. Conjunctivitis, while bothersome, is not an emergency and can be treated through outpatient care. Thus, epiglottitis stands out as the condition that necessitates immediate transport due to its acute threat to the child's airway and overall safety.