Which symptom is commonly associated with croup?

The symptom commonly associated with croup is a barking cough. Croup is a viral infection that primarily affects young children and is characterized by inflammation of the upper airways, particularly the larynx. This inflammation leads to the distinctive cough sound, which is often described as similar to that of a seal barking. The cough is typically worse at night and may be accompanied by stridor, which is a high-pitched wheezing sound that occurs when a child breathes in.

The barking cough in croup arises due to the narrowness of the airway caused by swelling. Recognizing this characteristic symptom is crucial for proper assessment and management of croup in patients. Understanding this symptom allows healthcare providers and caregivers to differentiate croup from other similar respiratory conditions, making it an essential piece of information in pediatric assessments.