What should you know about croup?

Croup causes swelling around the voice box and upper windpipe, often after cold-like symptoms. Children may develop a harsh barking cough, hoarseness and a high-pitched sound when breathing in, called stridor. Fever can occur, and symptoms may sound worse at night or when a child is upset.

Most cases are mild, but the airway is smaller in children, so swelling can make breathing harder. A child who is calm and breathing comfortably can often be monitored closely, while persistent noisy breathing needs medical assessment.

Keep the child calm and upright, offer frequent fluids and check breathing regularly, including during sleep. Comfort can reduce crying-related worsening. Avoid smoke and do not use cough medicines unless a clinician specifically recommends them.

A Child Health Consultation can assess breathing and decide whether medicine is needed. More severe symptoms may be treated with a Nebuliser Treatment or other urgent care. Follow the clinician’s instructions and keep the child under observation after treatment.

Seek emergency help if the child is struggling to breathe, the skin pulls in between the ribs, lips look blue or grey, the child is unusually sleepy, drools or cannot swallow, or noisy breathing continues while calm. Do not force food or fluids during severe breathing difficulty.

Ask what breathing sounds should prompt urgent care, how to give prescribed medicine, how long to monitor symptoms, and whether a return visit is needed.