What should you know about croup sickness?

Croup is an illness of the upper airway. A child may first have a runny nose, congestion, mild fever, or a less distinctive cough. Swelling near the voice box can then create a seal-like barking cough and a rough voice. Breathing may sound harsh when the child cries. Most children with croup notice the barking cough, while a smaller group develop more obvious breathing effort. A child’s overall behaviour and drinking matter as much as the cough sound.

Stay close, use a calm voice, and keep the child in a comfortable upright position. Offer fluids in small amounts and check that the child remains responsive. Rest and a smoke-free room may help. Do not give honey to a child under one year, and do not use over-the-counter cough products without professional advice. Arrange a child health consultation if the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms are recurring, or the child has other medical conditions.

Seek urgent care for noisy breathing at rest, struggling to breathe, ribs drawing inward, drooling or trouble swallowing, blue or grey lips, unusual sleepiness, or inability to drink. A fever with a child who looks very unwell also needs prompt assessment. If the cough is mild but persistent, arrange medical advice so another cause can be considered and a clear overnight plan can be made.

Ask what pattern of cough and breathing fits croup, how often to check the child overnight, which medicine is suitable, and how to reduce spread to household members.