Croup disease symptoms

Croup is swelling around the voice box and upper windpipe, usually during a viral respiratory illness. The cough may sound like a seal bark, while the voice becomes hoarse. Stridor is a harsh or high-pitched sound when breathing in. Symptoms often become more noticeable at night or when a child cries.

A croup presentation can include a runny nose, sore throat, or fever, but fever may be absent. The condition presents differently from a cough alone: breathing effort, ability to drink, alertness, and colour help show how seriously the airway is affected.

Keep the child upright and calm, because distress can increase the noise and effort of breathing. Give small sips when swallowing is comfortable. Observe the child while settled and note whether stridor disappears at rest. Avoid hot steam and do not put objects into the mouth or throat.

Get emergency help for blue or grey lips, severe chest or neck pulling, pauses in breathing, collapse, inability to swallow saliva, or marked drowsiness. Seek urgent review when stridor continues at rest, drinking is poor, breathing worsens, or the child appears exhausted. If symptoms are mild and breathing is comfortable, obtain clear advice about monitoring because the pattern can change.

Ask whether the breathing noise is stridor, how to count concerning changes in effort, and whether treatment is appropriate. Share the timing of symptoms, fever, fluid intake, sleep, and any choking event.