Which finding is most commonly seen in viral croup?

• A. drooling
• B. wheezing
• C. sputum production
• D. inspiratory stridor

Answer: (D)

Viral croup is caused by inflammation and edema of the larynx and subglottic area, narrowing the upper airway during inspiration. This narrowing produces inspiratory stridor, which is the hallmark finding in viral croup. The barking cough and hoarseness accompany the stridor because the vocal cords and surrounding tissues are affected by the subglottic inflammation.

Drooling would point toward epiglottitis or other forms of severe oropharyngeal obstruction, not typical croup. Sputum production is uncommon in croup since the issue is mainly edema and mucosal inflammation rather than purulent secretions. Wheezing is more characteristic of lower airway diseases like bronchiolitis or asthma, not the classic inspiratory stridor of croup.