Is croup safe in children?

Croup is inflammation around the voice box and upper airway, usually during a viral illness. A child may develop a barking cough, hoarse voice, and a harsh sound when breathing in. Symptoms can become more noticeable at night or when the child is upset. A child who is comfortable, drinking, and breathing quietly between coughs may be managed with close observation, but the pattern can change quickly.

Keep the child calm and upright because crying can make noisy breathing worse. Offer small, frequent drinks and check breathing regularly, including during sleep. Keep the air comfortable and avoid smoke. Do not use steam treatments or cough medicines unless a clinician specifically recommends them. A healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to reduce airway swelling when symptoms warrant it.

Get emergency help if the child struggles to breathe, the skin pulls in between the ribs or at the neck, lips look blue or grey, the child is unusually sleepy, or cannot speak, cry, or drink normally. Seek urgent assessment for noisy breathing while resting, drooling, difficulty swallowing, or worsening symptoms. Keep the child upright and calm while help is arranged.

Ask how to recognise noisy breathing at rest, when prescribed treatment should be used, and which service to contact overnight. Tell the clinician whether the child has had croup before, is drinking normally, and has any known airway or breathing condition.