Which condition is characterized by a barky seal-like cough, often worsening at night, and may involve low-grade fever?

The condition characterized by a barky, seal-like cough, particularly worsening at night, is croup. This respiratory condition is common in young children and is primarily caused by viral infections, with the parainfluenza virus being the most frequent culprit. The barking cough is a result of inflammation in the larynx and trachea, which can also lead to stridor, a high-pitched wheezing sound resulting from the narrowing of the airway.

Low-grade fever can accompany croup, as it is indicative of the viral infection process, although the fever is typically mild. Parents often notice that the symptoms can exacerbate during the nighttime hours, making it a distinctive feature of croup compared to other respiratory illnesses, such as asthma or bronchiolitis, which have different presentations. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for effective assessment and intervention in pediatric emergency nursing.