What is the classic sign of a child with croup?

The classic sign of croup in children is a barking cough. This distinctive cough resembles the sound of a barking seal and is caused by inflammation and swelling in the upper airway, often due to viral infection. Croup typically occurs in children between six months and three years of age and can be accompanied by stridor, which is a high-pitched sound resulting from airway obstruction.

While other symptoms may be present in a child with croup, such as minor respiratory distress or low-grade fever, the barking cough is the hallmark characteristic that helps differentiate croup from other respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis. Recognizing this symptom is crucial for proper diagnosis and management, as it may indicate the need for medical intervention, especially if respiratory distress worsens.