What is a hallmark symptom of croup?

Croup, often seen in young children, is characterized by a distinctive barking cough which resembles the sound of a seal barking. This hallmark symptom arises due to inflammation in the upper airways, primarily affecting the larynx and trachea, which narrows the airway and produces the characteristic stridor and cough.

While persistent wheezing, high fever, and difficulty swallowing may be present in some respiratory conditions, they are not defining features of croup. Persistent wheezing typically suggests lower airway involvement, while high fever may indicate other infections such as pneumonia or viral illnesses. Difficulty swallowing is more associated with pharyngeal swelling or other specific conditions, rather than the symptom profile of croup. Therefore, the barking cough remains a key indicator for diagnosis and is essential for differentiating croup from other respiratory illnesses.