What should you know about croup and fever?

Croup is swelling in the upper airway and often causes a barking cough, hoarseness, or a harsh sound when breathing in. Fever may accompany the infection behind croup, commonly with other cold symptoms. A [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) is a measurement, not a diagnosis, so its presence does not show how severe the airway swelling is. Look at the child as a whole: breathing comfortably while resting, drinking, urinating, and responding normally are useful observations. A [Common Cold](/conditions/common-cold/) can be part of the background illness.

Keep the child calm and offer frequent fluids. Dress them comfortably and avoid overheating. Check temperature using a consistent method, but do not chase a number if the child is otherwise comfortable. Use fever medicine only when suitable for the child and according to professional advice or the product directions; never give aspirin to a child. Note breathing noise at rest, drinking, urine output, and alertness. A [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/) can review persistent fever or croup symptoms.

Get emergency help for struggling to breathe, blue or grey lips, pauses in breathing, severe pulling-in under the ribs, drooling with trouble swallowing, confusion, or difficulty waking. Seek prompt medical advice if noisy breathing continues at rest, the child cannot drink, urine output falls, or fever accompanies a clear deterioration. A worsening [Cough](/symptoms/cough/) with breathing effort also needs review.

Ask what is causing the fever, how often to check breathing and hydration, which fever relief is appropriate, and when to return urgently. Ask whether [Nebuliser Treatment](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/nebuliser-treatment/) is relevant to the child's airway symptoms.