What common pediatric infection is characterized by a barking cough?

The condition characterized by a barking cough in children is croup. Croup is typically caused by viral infections, most commonly the parainfluenza virus, and it affects the upper airway, leading to inflammation and narrowing of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. This results in a distinctive sound during coughing that resembles a sheep's cough or a "bark," alongside other symptoms such as stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound when breathing in) and hoarseness.

Croup often occurs in children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, especially during the fall and winter seasons when viral infections are more prevalent. The barking cough in croup is a key clinical indicator that differentiates it from other respiratory issues. In contrast, bronchiolitis typically presents with wheezing and respiratory distress rather than a barking cough. Asthma can also cause coughing, but it generally leads to wheezing and chest tightness rather than the characteristic bark. Pneumonia is associated with a productive cough and symptoms such as fever and difficulty breathing, but it lacks the specific barking cough hallmark of croup.