What common infectious disease presents with a "barking" cough in children?

The presentation of a "barking" cough in children is characteristic of croup, also known as laryngotracheobronchitis. Croup is a viral infection, often due to the parainfluenza virus, that leads to swelling of the upper airway, particularly the larynx. This swelling results in the distinct cough that resembles the barking of a seal.

In addition to the cough, children with croup typically exhibit stridor, which is a high-pitched wheezing sound that occurs during inhalation, and symptoms can be more pronounced at night. The viral nature of the infection can also cause fever and mild respiratory distress, but the hallmark symptom that sets croup apart is indeed the barking cough.

Other conditions such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and asthma present with different clinical features. Bronchiolitis typically presents with wheezing and difficulty breathing due to lower airway obstruction, mostly seen in infants. Pneumonia might cause a cough as well, but it is usually accompanied by fever, chest pain, and possibly productive cough with sputum, rather than the barking sound. Asthma presents with wheezing and shortness of breath primarily due to airway hyperreactivity and inflammation, which can cause a cough but