Question

A 2-year-old child is brought to the pediatric urgent care clinic by the parent who says that the child has had a barking cough for two days. During the rapid assessment of the child, the provider hears audible inspiratory stridor._____ common cause of partial upper airway obstruction in children would the provider most likely suspect?

Answer 1

The healthcare provider would most likely suspect croup as the cause of a barking cough and audible inspiratory stridor in a child, a viral respiratory condition causing inflammation of the upper airway.

Step-by-step explanation:

The provider would most likely suspect croup as the common cause of partial upper airway obstruction in the child with a barking cough and audible inspiratory stridor. Croup is characterized by inflammation of the upper airway, which can lead to respiratory distress, presenting as a barking cough, stridor, hoarseness, and sometimes shortness of breath. It is commonly caused by a viral infection, though bacterial infections can also be responsible.

The disease often results in swelling around the vocal cords, which is what leads to the distinctive cough and stridor. While croup is the most common cause and is usually managed with supportive care, it is important to rule out other causes such as epiglottitis or foreign body aspiration in a clinical setting. In comparison, pertussis, or whooping cough, has a different presentation with episodes of severe coughing that may end in a 'whooping' sound when inhaling.