What should you know about krupp cough?

The sound may resemble a seal’s bark and can be more noticeable at night. A child may also have a hoarse voice, a runny nose, or a noisy breath. Croup often follows a viral cold and the swelling is near the voice box and windpipe. The sound alone does not identify the cause; other possibilities include a common cold, bronchiolitis, asthma, or acute bronchitis.

Watch the child’s breathing and general behaviour, not only the cough. Pulling in between the ribs, unusual tiredness, or difficulty speaking or drinking are more concerning than a loud cough by itself.

Keep the child calm and upright on your lap, because crying can make noisy breathing worse. Offer frequent small drinks and allow rest. Use age-appropriate fever medicine only according to its label or a clinician’s advice. Do not use steam, smoke, or non-prescribed cough medicines. Check the child regularly, especially during sleep, and arrange clinical advice if the cough is worsening or not settling.

Seek emergency help if the child struggles to breathe, has noisy breathing while resting, develops blue or grey lips, drools and cannot swallow, becomes very drowsy, or pauses in breathing. Seek prompt medical assessment for a child who is drinking poorly, has fewer wet nappies, or appears to be getting worse. A clinician may assess the airway and prescribe treatment to reduce swelling when needed.

Ask whether the breathing noise is present at rest, whether treatment is needed, and which symptoms should prompt an immediate return. Tell the clinician when the cough began, whether fever is present, how much the child is drinking, and whether similar episodes have happened before.