What does "croup" typically sound like and what is the likely cause?

Croup is characterized by a distinctive "barking" cough, which is a hallmark symptom of this condition. It is primarily caused by viral infections, most commonly the parainfluenza virus. This viral infection leads to inflammation and swelling in the larynx and trachea, resulting in the characteristic cough that is often heard during the illness. Parents or caregivers frequently describe the sound as resembling that of a seal's bark, and it is typically accompanied by a hoarse voice and sometimes stridor, especially when the child is agitated or at night.

The association of croup with viral infections emphasizes the importance of monitoring symptoms and managing discomfort, as antibiotics would not be effective for a viral cause. In contrast, other options describe symptoms associated with different conditions or causes: wheezing relates more to asthma or bronchospasm, high-pitched stridor can occur in choking or severe airway obstruction, and a deep chesty cough is more typical of bacterial pneumonia. However, none of these options describe the sound and cause of croup as accurately as the barking cough linked to viral infections.