What are the typical symptoms of croup in children?

The typical symptoms of croup in children primarily include a unique barking cough and stridor. Croup is an upper airway condition that often occurs in young children and is characterized by inflammation of the larynx and trachea. The barking cough resembles the sound of a seal, which is a distinctive feature of this condition. Stridor, a high-pitched wheezing sound, often occurs when breathing in and indicates narrowing of the airway, typically due to swelling. These two symptoms are key indicators of croup and help healthcare providers distinguish it from other respiratory conditions.

While other symptoms like fever or a mild respiratory infection might accompany croup, the hallmark symptoms of a barking cough and stridor are what define the diagnosis. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for timely and appropriate management of the condition.