Which pediatric airway condition is viral, affecting children under 2 with fever, gradual onset, and no drooling?

• A. Epiglottitis
• B. Croup
• C. Bacterial tracheitis
• D. Laryngitis

Answer: (B)

Viral croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) is a contagious viral infection that inflames the upper airway, causing swelling just below the vocal cords. This subglottic edema produces the classic barking cough and inspiratory stridor, with symptoms that build gradually over 24 to 48 hours. It most often affects children under 2 years old, and fever—if present—is usually low-grade. The lack of drooling helps distinguish it from epiglottitis, where drooling and a toxic appearance are common. Bacterial tracheitis tends to look more severe and progress rapidly with higher fever and toxicity, while laryngitis usually presents with hoarseness rather than prominent stridor or airway distress. So the combination of a viral origin, young age, gradual onset, fever, and no drooling best fits croup.