How would you describe the characteristic cough associated with croup?

The characteristic cough associated with croup is best described as barking and stridor. Croup is primarily caused by viral infections that lead to inflammation in the upper airways, particularly the larynx, and results in a distinctive cough that resembles the sound of a barking seal. This barking cough, combined with stridor— a high-pitched wheezing sound that occurs when breathing in—reflects the narrowing of the airway due to the swelling caused by the infection. These symptoms are hallmark indicators of croup, which is particularly common in young children during the fall and winter months. The barking cough is a key symptom that helps differentiate croup from other respiratory conditions.