Signs of an upper airway obstruction in an infant or child include all of the following, EXCEPT:

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In assessing an upper airway obstruction in an infant or child, it's crucial to understand the typical sounds and symptoms that indicate the condition. Stridorous breathing, a weak cough, and a cough that resembles the bark of a seal are all classic signs of upper airway obstruction.

Stridor is a high-pitched wheezing sound caused by the obstruction or narrowing of the airway and is particularly evident during inspiration. A weak cough can indicate a significant level of distress or obstruction since the child cannot generate enough force to clear the airway. The "barking" cough is often associated with croup, which is a result of inflammation in the upper airway, leading to obstruction.

Wheezing, on the other hand, typically indicates lower airway issues related to conditions like asthma or bronchospasm, which are characterized by different pathophysiological processes. Hence, while wheezing is a respiratory sound, it does not signal upper airway obstruction and is not a sign associated with this specific condition in infants or children. Understanding these distinctions is essential in emergency care to provide appropriate interventions based on the type of airway obstruction present.

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