What should you know about croup type cough?

Croup affects the voice box and windpipe, so the cough may sound like a seal bark. A hoarse voice, runny nose, fever or a raspy noise when breathing in can occur. Symptoms may sound worse at night or when a child is upset, because crying can narrow the airway further. The cough usually belongs to the illness pattern rather than being a diagnosis by itself. Other causes of cough include a common cold, acute bronchitis, asthma or bronchiolitis; the sound and breathing effort help a clinician judge what is happening.

Keep the child calm and hold them upright or let them sit comfortably. Offer frequent sips of fluid if swallowing is comfortable. Check their breathing regularly, including while resting, and avoid smoke or strong scents. Do not use steam or give cough medicines unless a clinician has specifically advised them. A healthcare professional may prescribe treatment to reduce airway swelling; follow the prescribed instructions and arrange advice if the cough is worsening, the child is struggling to drink, or symptoms are not settling.

Seek emergency help immediately if the child is struggling to breathe, has noisy breathing while resting, has pulling in between or below the ribs, looks blue or unusually pale, cannot speak or cry normally, is drooling or unable to swallow, or is becoming very sleepy and difficult to wake. Keep the child upright and calm while help is arranged. Contact a clinician promptly if the barking cough is persistent, breathing becomes noisier, fever continues, or you are worried about a young child. Do not wait for the cough to become severe if breathing is changing.

Ask whether the breathing noise occurs only during coughing or also while the child is resting, whether treatment is needed to reduce swelling, and which changes should prompt urgent review. Tell the clinician when the cough began, whether the child has fever or reduced drinking, and whether symptoms are worse overnight.