Which condition is characterized by a "barking" cough and stridor?

Croup is a respiratory condition commonly seen in young children, characterized by a distinctive "barking" cough and stridor—a harsh, raspy sound that occurs during inhalation. This condition typically arises due to viral infections that cause inflammation and swelling of the larynx and trachea, leading to the characteristic cough and stridor.

The barking cough resembles the sound of a seal, which is a hallmark of croup, and is often worse at night. Stridor indicates significant airway obstruction and can become more pronounced with agitation or crying, further highlighting the need for close monitoring and sometimes immediate medical attention.

In contrast, asthma may cause wheezing and difficulty breathing but does not typically present with a barking cough or stridor. Pneumonia generally manifests with symptoms like a productive cough, fever, and chest pain rather than the specific sounds associated with croup. Bronchitis may lead to a cough as well, but it is not characterized by the bark-like quality or stridor associated with croup's inflammatory reaction in the upper airway.

Thus, croup is uniquely defined by these particular symptoms, making it the correct answer to the question.