What does a "croup" cough sound like, and what condition does it indicate?

A "croup" cough is characterized by a distinctive barking sound that resembles a seal's bark, which is typically an indicator of laryngotracheobronchitis, commonly known as croup. This condition usually affects young children and is often caused by a viral infection, leading to inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi.

The bark-like cough occurs due to the narrowing of the airway caused by this inflammation, making it difficult for the child to breathe and leading to the characteristic sound. It is commonly worse at night and can be accompanied by stridor—a high-pitched wheezing sound caused by obstruction in the upper airway.

Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for recognizing croup early, facilitating timely medical intervention, and providing appropriate care to manage the breathing difficulties associated with the condition effectively.