Why Does My Cough Sound Like a Bark and What Causes It

A persistent cough that sounds like a bark can be unsettling and frustrating. In some cases, a barking cough is a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

The laryngeal cough, one of the possible causes, occurs when the vocal cords are irritated, causing a loud, barking sound. This type of cough is often associated with acid reflux disease.

A barking cough can also be a symptom of croup, a common respiratory condition in children. Croup is characterized by a hoarse voice and a barking cough.

In some cases, a barking cough can be a sign of a viral infection, such as croup or bronchitis.

Croup is an infection of the upper airways that causes breathing difficulty and a distinctive "barking" cough.

It's due to swelling around the vocal cords, which can be quite painful and uncomfortable for kids.

Croup affects children between the ages of 3 months to 5 years, although it can occur at any age.

Some children are more likely to get croup and may get it several times, which can be frustrating for parents.

It's most common between October and April, but can occur at any time of the year.

Croup can be caused by a variety of viruses, including parainfluenza, RSV, measles, adenovirus, and influenza. These viruses are highly contagious and can spread through coughing and sneezing.

The most common respiratory illnesses in young children aged 6 months to 5 years are caused by these viruses. Children who have croup should be kept away from others to prevent the spread of the virus.

Croup can also be caused by allergies or a bacterial infection, such as bacterial tracheitis. This is more likely to happen in severe cases of croup.

Here are some common viruses that can cause croup:

The virus can survive on surfaces, so it's possible to become infected by touching an object and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. This is why it's essential to practice good hygiene and keep your child away from others who may be infected.

A barking cough can be quite unsettling, especially if you're not sure what's causing it. A croup cough has a distinctive 'bark' sound, much like a 'seal's bark'.

The symptoms of croup can develop quickly, often in the middle of the night. This is when the symptoms are often worse, especially on the second and third night of having symptoms.

A croup cough is usually accompanied by an elevated temperature, runny nose, and cough. The cough can be harsh and barking, and may be worse at night. A hoarse voice when crying or talking is also a common symptom.

A high-pitched noise 'stridor' when breathing air in is another characteristic symptom of croup. If croup is severe, the skin in between the child's ribs or under their neck may be drawn in when they breathe, known as 'intercostal recession'.

The symptoms of croup can vary, but most children will have mild cold and low-grade fever for several days before having a barking cough and a hoarse voice. The cough can be loud and barking, and may be accompanied by labored, noisy, or "whistling" breathing.

Here are the key symptoms of croup:

These symptoms can last about three to five days, although the cough may persist longer. If you suspect you or your child has croup, it's essential to talk to a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment of a croupy cough can be a bit tricky, but it's essential to get it right to ensure your child feels better soon. Your doctor can diagnose croup by listening to your breathing with a stethoscope and examining your throat. Sometimes, a chest X-ray is performed to confirm the diagnosis.

If your child has a distinctive barking cough, it's likely croup. In fact, parents often suspect croup before their child has a physical examination. However, it's still crucial to get a professional diagnosis to rule out other conditions.

Treatment for croup varies depending on the severity of symptoms. Most children can recover at home without special treatment, but some may need breathing treatments and/or steroids to reduce swelling. Your doctor can help determine the best course of action.

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Your doctor can diagnose croup by listening to your breathing with a stethoscope and examining your throat. Sometimes, a chest X-ray is performed to confirm that it's croup and not something else.

Croup is generally diagnosed by assessing the child's symptoms. Parents often suspect croup before their child has had a physical examination, due to the distinctive cough.

Your doctor will examine your throat and listen to your breathing to confirm the diagnosis.

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Most children with croup recover at home without any special treatment.

Staying away from other children and keeping them calm and rested is often helpful. A healthy diet helps the immune system to support recovery.

Paracetamol can be helpful to relieve a high fever or sore throat, but it's essential to give the correct dose according to your child's weight and only as directed by your doctor.

Because croup is caused by a virus, treatment with antibiotics does not help.

Croup treatment focuses on ensuring the patient can breathe comfortably. Steroids, such as oral steroid medication, can help reduce airway swelling.

Breathing in cold air can be soothing for a swollen throat. You can try taking your child outside for 5-10 minutes or letting them breathe in cold air from the freezer.

Honey can be a helpful remedy for children 12 months and older, but only in small amounts.

If your child has severe croup symptoms, they might need breathing treatments and/or steroids to reduce swelling.

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Here are some reasons to call a doctor or bring your child into the office:

Croup is very common in children under 5 years old, so if you're a parent, it's good to know the signs.

A barking cough, hoarse voice, and stridor (noisy breathing) are the typical symptoms of croup.

Most children with croup don't need special treatment, but it's always a good idea to consult a doctor if you're unsure.

Viruses, such as parainfluenza, are the most common cause of croup.

Bacterial infections, like Haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB), can also cause croup, but it's uncommon in the U.S. due to vaccines.

Croup is more common in younger kids aged 3 months to 5 years old.

As your child grows, their airways become larger and less susceptible to croup.