Which condition is characterized by a barking cough, stridor, and nighttime worsening of symptoms?

The condition characterized by a barking cough, stridor, and worsening of symptoms at night is laryngotracheitis, commonly known as croup. Croup is an infection that causes inflammation of the larynx and trachea, generally triggered by viral infections, such as parainfluenza virus.

The barking cough is often described as similar to the sound of a seal and is a hallmark sign of croup, occurring typically after a period of mild upper respiratory symptoms. Stridor, which is a high-pitched wheezing sound resulting from disrupted airflow in the upper airway, commonly occurs when the child is agitated or during breathing while at rest. The symptoms of croup often worsen at night, which is another typical feature of this condition, likely due to changes in airway dynamics or increased vascular congestion when the child is lying down.

Understanding these characteristic symptoms is crucial for differentiating croup from other respiratory conditions that may present in pediatric patients. For instance, while acute bronchiolitis can produce wheezing and respiratory distress, it does not specifically cause a barking cough or stridor. Pneumonia typically presents with productive cough, fever, and localized lung findings rather than the distinctive barking cough associated with croup. Asthma attacks