In children, which condition can present with fever and respiratory distress?

Laryngotracheobronchitis, commonly known as croup, is an infectious condition primarily affecting children, typically caused by viral infections like parainfluenza. It presents with a characteristic "barking" cough, stridor, and can be accompanied by fever and respiratory distress. The inflammation of the upper airway narrows the passage, making breathing more labored. The fever is usually mild, and while respiratory distress is notable, it can vary in severity.

Croup often occurs in younger children, making it a significant consideration when evaluating fever and respiratory symptoms in this age group. The combination of fever and the distinctive respiratory signs makes laryngotracheobronchitis a clear candidate for this question.

In contrast, while asthma exacerbations can lead to respiratory distress, they typically present without fever, unless there's a co-existing infection. Viral pneumonia may also manifest with fever and respiratory symptoms, but it often includes symptoms like cough and tachypnea. Allergic rhinitis is characterized by nasal symptoms and does not typically cause fever or wheezing, thus not aligning with the respiratory distress observed in croup. Therefore, croup is the best fit for the question as it presents with both fever and respiratory distress in children.