Barking cough and stridor: what to know

Stridor is a harsh, high-pitched noise, often heard when breathing in. Swelling around the voice box during a viral illness can cause a barking cough and stridor, especially in children. Bronchiolitis usually causes different lower-airway noises, while asthma commonly causes wheeze, but only an examination can separate these patterns. Stridor can become louder when a person cries or becomes upset, so keeping them calm is useful while arranging advice.

Keep the person upright, calm, and away from smoke or strong scents. Offer small sips only if swallowing is comfortable. Do not inspect the throat with an object, force food or drink, or use hot steam. Note whether the noise occurs at rest or only during crying, and remember when it began. Follow emergency instructions while waiting for help.

Call emergency services immediately for stridor at rest with struggling to breathe, chest pulling in, blue or grey lips, drooling, inability to swallow, pauses in breathing, or unusual sleepiness. A child with new stridor should receive prompt medical advice even if they settle briefly. Arrange clinical review for recurring noisy breathing, a cough that worsens, or symptoms that do not improve.

Ask what caused the airway noise, whether treatment is needed, how to monitor breathing during sleep, and which change means emergency care.