Which of the following indicates the presence of an obstructive airway condition in a child?

Wheezing and coughing are significant indicators of obstructive airway conditions in children, such as asthma or bronchitis. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing, particularly evident during exhalation, and it indicates that the airway is narrowed or obstructed. Coughing often accompanies wheezing and can be a reflex action to clear mucus, irritants, or obstructions from the airways. Together, these symptoms suggest that the child is experiencing difficulty in airflow, which is characteristic of obstructive airway challenges.

Persistent high fever might indicate an infection but is not specific to obstructive conditions. Crackles and rhonchi are also abnormal lung sounds but can indicate other respiratory issues, such as fluid in the lungs or mucus in the airways, rather than specifically pointing to obstruction. Barrel chest and retractions can indicate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or respiratory distress, but they are not as directly indicative of the immediate obstructive airway events as wheezing and coughing are.