My 3 1/2 yr old has viral fever from last 2 days and has developed a barking dog like cough , is it serious ?

Croup: This sounds like croup and most of the time it can be treated symptomatically. Elevate her/his head and give cold fluids. Treat any fever for comfort. If she/he develops any difficulty breathing she/he may need to go to hospital to get a breathing treatment and dose of dexamethasone. Croup is generally not serious but since it involves the airway, if it is worse see a doctor. All the best.

Cough: A barking dog cough may be croup. A viral infection causing spasm of the airway tube. Visit to ER is warranted to check for any respiratory distress. Humidified air would help as well.

Viral illness: Croup is usually viral illness affecting upper airway that is self limited.Most cases of viral croup are mild and treated at home. Usually with barking type of cough. Should consult physician to evaluate child for degree of respiratory difficulty and confirm diagnosis. Sometimes necessary to add steroids to albuterol and humidifier therapy.Cool mist treatments have proven to be less effective.