A child with a barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and no wheezing is most likely experiencing what condition?

The presence of a barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and the absence of wheezing are hallmark signs of croup, also known as laryngotracheobronchitis. This viral upper respiratory infection primarily affects young children and is characterized by inflammation of the larynx and trachea, which results in the distinctive barking cough. The inspiratory stridor indicates that there is some degree of airway narrowing, typically occurring in the upper airway due to swelling.

In contrast to asthma, which is usually associated with wheezing due to lower airway obstruction, croup features stridor and a cough rather than wheezing. Bronchiolitis primarily affects infants and is characterized by wheezing and respiratory distress due to inflammation of the bronchioles, making it distinct from the symptoms presented. Pneumonia generally has symptoms that include fever, cough, and potential wheezing or crackles with pulmonary involvement, which differs significantly from the presentation of croup. Thus, the symptoms described strongly indicate that the child is experiencing croup.