What should you know about RSV croup treatment?

Croup is inflammation around the voice box and upper windpipe. RSV may be the trigger, but symptoms can overlap with a [Common Cold](/conditions/common-cold/), so assessment considers the cough, voice, breathing noise, chest movement, hydration, and alertness. Mild symptoms may settle with calm observation and home support. A clinician may prescribe medicine to reduce airway swelling. More marked breathing difficulty can require observation and inhaled treatment in a medical setting.

Keep the child upright and calm, offer small frequent drinks, and keep the air free from smoke. Let them rest, but check breathing and responsiveness regularly. Use medicines only as directed for that child; antibiotics do not treat a viral cause. Do not force food or drink if swallowing is difficult. A [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/) can help clarify the severity, while [Nebuliser Treatment](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/nebuliser-treatment/) may be considered when clinically indicated.

Call emergency services if the child cannot speak or cry normally because of breathlessness, has blue or grey lips, pauses in breathing, severe pulling in at the ribs, or becomes very sleepy and difficult to wake. Seek urgent medical advice for noisy breathing while resting, drooling, inability to swallow, worsening symptoms, or poor fluid intake. Do not wait for home measures to work when breathing effort is increasing.

Ask which treatment is appropriate for the child’s breathing pattern, how long to monitor after treatment, and which change means returning urgently. Mention any previous croup episodes, allergies, medicines, and the child’s recent drinking and urine pattern.