Which is NOT a symptom of croup?

Croup, also known as laryngeal croup or laryngotracheobronchitis, is primarily characterized by inflammation of the upper airway, which results in specific symptoms. The classic symptoms include a barky cough, which resembles the sound of a seal, hoarseness due to laryngeal involvement, and inspiratory stridor, which is a high-pitched wheezing sound resulting from turbulent airflow through a narrowed airway.

The symptom of drooling is not typically associated with croup. It is more suggestive of other conditions, such as epiglottitis, where inflammation and swelling can make swallowing painful, leading to excessive salivation. In contrast, the presence of drooling would usually indicate a more severe obstruction or difficulty in swallowing. Being aware of these differentiating symptoms is crucial in clinical practice to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment.