Which condition is marked by a barking cough, often seen in children?

The condition characterized by a barking cough, particularly in children, is croup. Croup is a viral infection that leads to swelling in the larynx and trachea, resulting in the distinctive cough described as "barking." This cough is often accompanied by stridor, which is a high-pitched wheezing sound that occurs during inhalation due to narrowing of the airway. Children are particularly susceptible to croup because their airways are smaller and more easily impacted by inflammation.

In contrast, pneumonia usually presents with a productive cough and distinct symptoms such as fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, but does not feature the barking cough that is typical of croup. Similarly, epiglottitis, while potentially serious and can lead to difficulty breathing, is more marked by sore throat and fever, not a barking cough. Bronchitis, which involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes, typically causes a dry cough that can progress to a productive cough, but again, it does not present in the same way as croup.