Laryngotracheobronchitis symptoms: what to know

Croup is swelling around the larynx and upper windpipe. A child may develop a harsh, seal-like cough, hoarseness and a raspy sound when breathing in. Symptoms can be worse at night or when the child is upset because crying increases airway turbulence. Croup often follows a viral cold. Most children do not have severe disease, but the breathing pattern matters more than the sound of the cough. Cough is a common presentation of croup; fever may be present or absent.

Keep your child calm and upright, offer frequent sips of fluid, and stay close so you can observe breathing. Avoid forcing food or using steam from hot water, which can burn a child. Do not give cough medicines unless a clinician or pharmacist advises that the product is suitable. A Child Health Consultation can assess the breathing noise, hydration and overall alertness. Some children need prescribed treatment; a nebuliser treatment may be considered in urgent care when breathing is significantly affected.

Call emergency services if the child is struggling for each breath, has blue or grey lips, becomes unusually sleepy, cannot swallow, drools, or has pauses in breathing. Seek urgent assessment for a harsh breathing sound while the child is resting, chest or neck pulling in with breaths, or worsening symptoms. Do not wait for a fever to appear before acting. Keep the child upright and calm while arranging help.

Ask whether the breathing sound occurs at rest or only when upset, how to monitor overnight, whether treatment is needed, and which changes mean you should return urgently.