What are common symptoms of croup?

Croup is primarily associated with a distinctive set of respiratory symptoms that are characteristic of the condition. The hallmark symptoms include a barking cough, which tends to resemble the sound of a seal, making it very recognizable. Stridor, a high-pitched sound resulting from turbulent airflow in the upper airway, is another key symptom, particularly when the patient is agitated or crying. Hoarseness often accompanies these symptoms, stemming from inflammation of the larynx.

These symptoms result from viral infection, typically affecting young children, and the inflammation of the upper airway can lead to airway obstruction, hence the presence of stridor. The combination of these symptoms is critical for making a clinical diagnosis of croup, allowing for appropriate management and reassurance to the parents regarding the typically self-limiting nature of the illness.

The other choices present symptoms that are either not typical of croup or are associated with different conditions entirely. For example, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea do not indicate upper airway obstruction and point more toward gastrointestinal infections or other febrile illnesses rather than croup. Sore throat, fever, and runny nose suggest upper respiratory infections but lack the unique features of croup. Lastly, chest pain, wheezing, and coughing are more indicative