Can my 16mth have croup without the cough?

Dear Anon,

Although croup is easily characterized by a "bark-like" cough, your son did have symptoms of croup--- except for the cough. The reason for this could come down to breathing. The irritability, choking, refusing to eat, blue lips, and wheezing indicate that he was not breathing well. Sometimes when there is doubt of whether it can be croup or something more serious, the doctor will order an xray, which I see they did on your son. This was ultimately the deciding factor in your son's diagnosis.

As far as asthma is concerned, it is possible--I also have to ask if he ate something new that may have constricted his airway?
Asthma is usually triggered by something such as an allergen, playing (exercise), or tobacco smoke (by parents or others around him). It presents itself by Coughing, A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling, Shortness of breath, Chest congestion or tightness-- all very similar to what your 16 mo old had--except, once again, for the cough. Remember that to be diagnosed with something, you don't have to have ALL the symptoms, that's why they run tests. Did you inform the doctor that your family has a history of asthma?

It can be very hard for a 16 month old to express "I can't breathe". Always try to listen to their breathing (for that wheezing sound) and look at their face for any sign of distress-- nasal flares, irritability, can't stop moving, ultimately turning blue in the face.

How has he been since you took him in? Looking forward to some good news!