Croup cough sound in an infant: what to know

Croup can cause a barking cough and a high-pitched noise when breathing in because the upper airway is swollen. In an infant, similar sounds may come from congestion, bronchiolitis, an inhaled object, or another airway problem. The sound is more concerning when it continues during quiet breathing, is accompanied by chest pulling, or changes the baby's colour or responsiveness.

Hold the infant upright and keep handling gentle and calm. Clear only visible nasal mucus with a suitable method; do not put objects into the nose or throat. Offer usual feeds only if breathing and swallowing are comfortable, and pause if the baby tires. Keep smoke away. Do not use steam, honey, cough medicine, or someone else's inhaler without professional advice.

Get emergency help for pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, severe chest or neck pulling, grunting, inability to feed, drooling, marked limpness, or a baby who is difficult to wake. Seek urgent clinical advice for a barking cough, persistent noisy breathing, fewer wet nappies, repeated vomiting, or any rapid deterioration. Infants can tire quickly, so do not wait for a temperature to rise.

Ask whether the sound is coming from the nose, throat, or chest, whether the infant needs examination, and how to monitor feeds and wet nappies. Describe the sound while breathing in or out and whether it stops when the baby is settled.