Which term matches the definition 'Upper airway infection causing barking cough'?

• A. Bronchiolitis
• B. Epiglottitis
• C. RSV
• D. Croup

Answer: (D)

Croup is an acute viral infection of the upper airway that produces a barking cough. The swelling narrows the larynx and early trachea (subglottic region), leading to the characteristic harsh, barking cough and often inspiratory stridor. It most commonly affects young children, typically around 6 months to 3 years old.

Bronchiolitis affects the lower airways and usually shows tachypnea, wheezing, and crackles, not a barking cough. Epiglottitis presents with drooling, difficulty swallowing, severe throat pain, and a muffled voice, often with toxic appearance—distinct from croup’s barking cough. RSV is a virus that more commonly causes bronchiolitis than croup.

Thus, the description fits croup.