Croup is a viral infection of the throat that typically causes a high-pitched, “barky” type cough often associated with hoarseness. Stridor is the term for the noise made when a child has difficulty breathing in. This may or may not be associated with a croupy cough but is an indication of labored breathing and should be called to your physician’s attention. Even though most croup cases are not serious, a combination of the following signs and symptoms may indicate a severe form of croup: difficulty breathing, drooling, difficulty swallowing, fever.